10/6/13 Zechariah 8:13 Though You Were a Curse, Now You Are a Blessing

Zechariah 8:13 (NAS)

And it will come about that just as you were a curse among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so I will save you that you may become a blessing. Do not fear; let your hands be strong.

 

Zechariah 8:13 (NIVUS)

As you have been an object of cursing among the nations, O Judah and Israel, so will I save you, and you will be a blessing. Do not be afraid, but let your hands be strong.

 
Did you grow up believing that your life was slight and trifling?  You may have thought that you were of little account and insignificant.  You may have felt despicable and cursed. You knew you had little esteem: you were treated with contempt and dishonor. You believed that the hostility and hatred of all the nations was directed at you alone, for you thought you came from a family and house that was cast down and cast off by the rest of society.
 
However, the Lord your God had actually designed you to praise Him. In His original purpose, you were to be established in a home and family that confessed and lauded His name.  Instead of being cursed and defeated, you were created to prevail over your enemies.
 
Therefore, Adonai saved and delivered you from your past.  He turned the curse into blessing and the defeat into victory.  He has given you prosperity and peace.  He has blessed you in order to make you a source of blessing for others.
 
So do not fear nor dread.  Jehovah, the Lord your God, has strengthened your hands.  You are now firm and secure.  Take courage and be bold, for the Almighty God will always sustain you. He has repaired your life and you are able to withstand any threat.
 
Now you are honored and held in high esteem.

 

 

(Originally written