II Kings 19:31 For out of Jerusalem shall go a remnant, and out of Mount Zion a band of survivors. The zeal of the Lord will do this.
“S’eryit” is how “remnant” is pronounced in Hebrew. This word appears 66 times in the Old Testament, and is translated as “remnant, remainder, the rest”. The first mention is in Genesis, where Joseph finally reveals himself to his brothers in Gen 45:4-7. God has worked out his plan through the terrible actions of Joseph’s brothers. And here in II Kings, we see God working out his plans despite the actions of evil kings and oppressive brutal neighbors.
God is so often bringing out of a situation new possibilities, new hope, new resources, new resilience, new patience, new faith, and new love.
What are the tough situations you are in right now? Can you see a glimpse of encouragement here perhaps – what little thing with huge potential is God bringing out of your situation? I remember years ago someone telling me to stop looking at what was lost, and instead focus on what was left. At the time it initially seemed a bit harsh, but as I pondered this it started to get into my spirit and my heart.
It’s good to stop, to wait, and to ask “what is God doing in this situation, and what does he have in mind to bring out of it?”
Principle of Change 72 – God is always at work bringing the new out of the old.
Strength – Ideation – when all seems lost, ideation can bring breakthrough thinking.