"Have we all not done this before?" When we face our deepest fears, we often try every possible way to fix what is wrong by our own efforts. We "Google" solutions, search for DIY remedies, use AI, or turn to friends who might help - yet rarely do we entrust our fears and anxieties to God.

Subconsciously, we may think that although God is all- powerful, He is too busy saving the world to notice our cries. And even when we do turn to Him, we may feel that His answers come too slowly or fail to meet our expectations. Some even seek quick fixes from mediums or faith healers, only to discover later that these bring no lasting solution and may cause greater harm. In fact, we might even realise we are worse than Tyre and Sidon, who would probably trust and believe in the Lord after they have witnessed the good that the Lord had done to them! (cf Matthew 11:21)

In today's reading, God speaks to King Ahaz, through the prophet Isaiah, telling him that his enemies would not prevail but there is a condition. Fulfilment would take time, even "sixty-five years" (cf Isaiah 7:8), a delay Ahaz found difficult to accept.

In moments of trial, are we like Ahaz, relying only on our own ways? Or do we truly allow God to act, trusting that His time and His ways are always for our good?