I have a friend who posted this statement on social media:
“God only uses people who are in pain, crushed, and devastated-who trust Him in the midst of a crushing confusion (Isaiah 66:2). God wants so desperate to sit with us in our pain, but He cannot if we are running from pain.”
Does God sit down with us only when we are in pain? Does God work through us only when we are in devastating situations? I know God works through us when we are humble, but I am not too sure if God wants us to be in painful circumstances so He can sit beside us.
It troubles me to think that God wants us to be in painful and confusion situations because it would definitely go against His character, although He would use it for our good (Romans 8:28). I know God cares for us even in our situations (1 Peter 5:6). What does the verse mean when explaining Isaiah 66:2 within its context?
I would like to use this as an opportunity to encourage people who are in painful situations and minister if possible.
Someone is really leading people astray on the meaning of Isaiah 66:2. This verse has nothing to do with painful circumstances. It says:
“Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?” declares the Lord.
“These are the ones I look on with favor:
those who are humble and contrite in spirit,
and who tremble at my word.”
It simply means that He wants us to recognize us ourselves in comparison to who He is and be humbled in His presence. You don’t have to be in pain to be humble. God is happiest when we are happy. Psalm 22:3 tell us that He inhabits the praise of His people. And we don’t usually praise God in midst of devastating circumstances.
It is true that God comforts us during these times. But He doesn’t like us being in them anymore than we like being there. It would be like a loving father intentionally causing his child great pain and suffering just so he could commiserate with him. As you said, it’s a violation of His character.