Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:10 KJV
Context and Charge:
This is a season of fear for those who live by what policies, processes and procedures the world highlights for them. The world knows how to keep under bondage those who are subject to it. That is why investments in protection services are popular with the world. Yet, in all, there is still no guarantee of safety or protection, because the world cannot give you that which it does not have. Each supplies that which it has in abundance. God who speaks here stakes his name, honour and reputation on his words, and from experience, He is a God who can be trusted. The first step in taking hold of all God offers is to know Him personally. That is non-negotiable.
If I read the words of today's extract, how do I know how to deal with the world's fear if I do not know the One who has defeated it? God says I should not fear, because He knows what the world can do to those under its control. He also gives me reasons why I need not fear; His presence is the only antidote to fear. Check out the lives, impact and end of all the men and women in the Bible for which it was recorded that God was with them; they could not always explain the process or the journey, but they had a testimony that stayed with them that God is sufficient, and we can learn from their lives too. Is this God enough or am I considering other options?
Contention and Conclusion:
Consider the other benefits of God's presence: strength, help and upholding. I am yet to see a man dependent on God's grace who ever became self-sufficient. I am yet to see a man who knew and acknowledged he was helped by God become proud of his achievements. I am yet to see a man who is upheld by God's strength boast about his superiority in relation to other people's weaknesses. You do not get supply from God and think you have arrived; it makes you even more dependent on this God.
As I journey through the world and live the life God has given me, I must always remember that I have God on my side. His promises stand out, because long before I was born, He has documented these promises so I do not need to scheme to get them. I just have to be where God wants me to be, doing what He commands. I couldn't earn it by good works, bank account balances or circle of influence; faith in God is the only key that activates the promises of God here. He is God, whether I agree or not, but my life will be easier if I let Him be God and just work with Him. A good end is assured. God's time of favour is here.
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