@URCSA SASOLBURG: Hide for a Little While –

“Hide for a Little While – God is Still in Control”
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 26:20 (NLT) – “Go home, my people, and lock your doors! Hide yourselves for a little while until the Lord’s anger has passed.”


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Introduction

Beloved in Christ,
We gather today at a time when our church is facing challenges—not only among our leaders but also among us, the members. There are tensions, misunderstandings, and discouragement in the air. But the Word of God reminds us in Isaiah 26:20 that sometimes, in the middle of the storm, the best thing we can do is step aside, be still, and let God work.


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1. God Knows Our Struggles

The Lord speaks to His people, saying, “Go home, my people, and lock your doors.”
This was not a command to abandon faith—it was a call to trust in His protection.

Sometimes we fight battles that are not ours to fight.

Sometimes we speak when God is calling us to be silent.

Sometimes we run around in panic, but God says, “Rest. Be still. I am in control.”


When the church is in turmoil, remember: God sees. God knows. And God will deal with it in His own time.


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2. The Power of Waiting on God

The verse continues: “Hide yourselves for a little while.”

Notice the words: a little while. That means the storm is temporary. The confusion is temporary. The division is temporary.

Waiting on God does not mean weakness—it means strength.

Waiting on God does not mean giving up—it means trusting His timing.

Waiting on God means believing that after the storm, peace will return.


Psalm 30:5 reminds us: “Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning.”


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3. God’s Anger Will Pass – His Mercy Remains

The Lord says: “…until the Lord’s anger has passed.”

Yes, there may be judgment. Yes, there may be correction. But His anger is never forever. His mercy endures forever.

The difficulties we see in the church may simply be God pruning, God purifying, God reshaping His people for greater glory.


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4. Our Response as Believers

So what must we do in this season?

Pray instead of gossip. Let’s take our burdens to God in prayer rather than tearing one another down.

Build instead of breaking. Even if others sow division, let us sow unity and love.

Trust instead of fear. Believe that the God who brought us this far will carry His church forward.



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Conclusion

Beloved, Isaiah 26:20 is not a message of fear—it is a message of hope. God is saying: “Do not be shaken by what you see. Rest in Me. Trust Me. This too shall pass.”

So, let us leave this place with courage, knowing:

Our God is greater than our struggles.

Our God is bigger than our conflicts.

Our God is still building His church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.



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Closing Prayer
“Father, we thank You for reminding us that even in times of trial, You are our refuge and our strength. Help us to be still, to trust in You, and to wait for the morning of joy. Heal our church, unite our hearts, and let Your peace reign among us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”