Hope: Anchored in the Promises of God

Hope of God Revealed

Sunday August 16, 2026 - Pastor Wungreiso Valui

Isaiah 45

"Have you ever seen God use an unexpected person or situation to accomplish something good?"

"Thus says the Lord to His anointed, To Cyrus, whose right hand I have held-To subdue nations before him And loose the armor of kings, To open before him the double doors, So that the gates will not be shut: 'I will go before you And make the crooked places straight; I will break in pieces the gates of bronze. And cut the bars of iron. I will give you the treasures of darkness. And hidden riches of secret places, That you may know that I, the Lord, Who call you by your name, Am the God of Israel. For Jacob My servant's sake, And Israel My elect, I have even called you by your name; I have named you, though you have not known Me. I am the Lord, and there is no other; There is no God besides Me. I will gird you, though you have not known Me, That they may know from the rising of the sun to its setting. That there is none besides Me. I am the Lord, and there is no other." - Isaiah 45:1-6

BIG IDEA: God chooses His instruments, accomplishes His purposes through them, and reveals His glory so that the world may know that He alone is God.

GOD CHOOSES HIS INSTRUMENT | Isaiah 45: 1-4

God chose King Cyrus, called him by name, and used him for His purpose-even though King Cyrus did not know the Lord.

"I have even called you by your name; I have named you, though you have not known Me." - Isaiah 45:4

QUESTION: Am I willing to let God use me, even when His plan is different from mine?

APPLICATION: Be available to God. Do not underestimate whom God can use-including you.

GOD USES HIS INSTRUMENT TO ACCOMPLISH HIS PLAN | Isaiah 45: 2-3, 13

God went before Cyrus, opened doors, removed obstacles, and used him to release God's people and rebuild Jerusalem.

"I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways." - Isaiah 45:13

QUESTION: Where do I need to trust God instead of trying to control the outcome?

APPLICATION: Trust God to go before you. Be faithful with your part and leave the results in His hands.

GOD ACCOMPLISHES HIS PLAN SO PEOPLE WILL KNOW HE ALONE IS GOD | Isaiah 45: 5-6, 21-23

God's purpose was bigger than Cyrus. Through everything He was doing, God wanted the nations to recognize that He alone is Lord and Savior.

"That they may know from the rising of the sun to its setting that there is none besides Me." - Isaiah 45:6

QUESTION: Does the way I live point people to God, or draw attention to myself?

APPLICATION: Give God the glory for what He accomplishes through your life. Use your influence, success, resources, and opportunities to help others know Him.

Question: Where do I need to humble myself before God?

Next Step: Repent of self-reliance and ask for mercy.