In this message, Stephen emphasizes the importance of returning to God and resting in His grace during times of trouble and pressure. Drawing from Isaiah 30:15-21, he explains that God's way for His people is to find salvation through quietness and confidence in Him, rather than relying on human strength or worldly alliances. Historically, Judah was caught between Assyria and Egypt, trying to seek help from both, which was seen as rebellion against God. Similarly, during the Reformation, the church sought deliverance through earthly powers, often neglecting God's guidance. Stephen highlights that when believers face difficulties, their natural response is to strive and seek help from worldly sources, but God's solution is to return to Him, rest in His finished work, and trust in His promises. He stresses that God is always waiting for us to turn back, and even in adversity—described as bread and water—He teaches us valuable lessons. The key is to cease struggling, surrender, and listen for God's guidance, which leads to true peace, strength, and abundance in Christ. Ultimately, Stephen urges believers to meditate on this truth, practice returning and resting in God, and trust that His grace is sufficient in every circumstance.
15 For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not. 16 But ye said, No; for we will flee upon horses; therefore shall ye flee: and, We will ride upon the swift; therefore shall they that pursue you be swift. 17 One thousand shall flee at the rebuke of one; at the rebuke of five shall ye flee: till ye be left as a beacon upon the top of a mountain, and as an ensign on an hill.
18 And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him. 19 For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem: thou shalt weep no more: he will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear it, he will answer thee. 20 And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more, but thine eyes shall see thy teachers: 21 And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.