Yet, a living faith in Christ continuously stretches our vision beyond the seen into the unseen world Time and again God's Word calls us to recognize the divine purpose at work behind the scenes. Failure to stop and reflect upon the larger purpose of God and its progressive historical fulfillment inevitably produces spiritual myopia. Conversely, conscious awareness of the providential outworking of God's eternal plan builds hope, broadens vision, and gives real strength for kingdom service. In the midst of trial and sorrow, Isaiah announces comfort by directing attention beyond the visible and obvious to eternal, unchanging realities that are rooted in God's character and involvement in the world. This change in perspective causes the immediate to be viewed in the context of the historical and eternal.
Soldiers fight more courageously when they know that victory is assured.
With rhetorical questions and dramatic descriptions the prophet leads them to remember that God, their God, is the Sovereign of the universe. As our Lord has created all things, so He reigns over all things. He is sovereign over nations and rulers, nature and history. He is the God of providence. We must never forget that our great and glorious God is presently and continuously working out His eternal purposes for this world.