Helped!

Helped!

Isaiah 41:13 AMPC

[13] For I the Lord your God hold your right hand; I am the Lord, Who says to you, Fear not; I will help you!

Israel was chosen and favoured by God to be his chosen treasure. Abraham was a man who was called by God to walk with Him, and by faith, Abraham received a lasting covenant of mercy, long before the dispensation of grace became known as it is now. Abraham enjoyed this dispensation, as well as all the offspring after him, either by physical birth, or the ones who come by faith to believe in God too. All of us have come by the same faith of Abraham to walk under the cover of God's grace, but we are also reminded that this grace does not condone or excuse sin. This dispensation will provide all that I need for life and Godliness, but it will not permit me to live as I please. As Israel will come to learn later, under extreme and painful circumstances, that God will punish sin, no matter in whom it is found. God has no favourites when it comes to sin. Israel was warned several times but comfort and convenience had made Israel complacent. 

Israel now found itself in exile. Nations that were not even as strong as Israel was would come in and subdue the people, and take some of them as captives into exile. The land they were given became the place of battles and constant conflicts, all because they would not submit to the Prince of Peace. However, as we see in the verse above, the One who calls men to Himself does not abandon His own. He will definitely punish sin, but His mercy just will not let go. Israel had been scattered all over the nations, yet the eye of God was watching over them for good. It is amazing to note that while I am on earth, sin does not have the final say over my life. The blood of Jesus that was shed on the cross is sufficient for the burden of sin, but it only works if I submit myself to its cleansing power. God does not force Himself on anyone, and He will not go against the exercise of my freewill. 

He wants to hold my right hand, providing the support and encouragement I need for the journey that is ahead. He wants me to know He is with me every step of the way, even when things get tough and confusing. He holds my right hand as a sign of comfort and closeness, and then He also speaks to me, telling me clearly that I have no need to fear. The reason why this message is important for me is that the One who speaks is the only One who can make such a claim. Men may assure you of protection, but as long as what they offer is made of this world, it will always fail. This is a God who is an everlasting refuge, who says all who come to Him as safe from all evil. He introduces Himself to me as the Lord, who is in total control of all that I see and can't see. All that He has made answers to Him, and at His command, even the devil must obey. His help is available; He is never far away. Return to Him today. He will help you. God's time of favour is here.