“Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed/discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41: 10
One of the great sources of fulfillment as a father is when a child comes and says, “I’m afraid daddy.” It’s fulfilling because we can take our child in our arms and provide assurance, safety, and comfort for most things in their young lives. But there are some issues we really can’t do much about.
Certainly, there are many situations that instill/induce fear – fierce storms, financial issues, threatening terminal diseases, terrorist threats among many other troubles. Scores of families have experienced loss of lives through the activities of lawless men and bandits. Inspite of all these harrassment, Christians should find great assurance in God’s Word that encourages them to ‘FEAR NOT”, FOR I AM WITH YOU. DON’T BE DISCOURAGED, FOR I AM YOUR GOD…”
In Deuteronomy 31: 23, Joshua was commissioned to take over the leadership of Israel and guide the people into the Promised Land. One of Joshua’s key qualifications was his faith in God. Indeed the task was a frightening one with three million people to care for, settle disputes for, and lead into battle. Finding courage would be Joshua’s greatest task. He was strong and courageous because he knew God was with him and because he had faith that God would do all He had promised Israel. The Lord alone had led them; and He alone leads us through the journey of life.
We also need to keep in mind the fact that those who love the Lord Jesus and follow His principles of truth and righteousness would be persecuted for their faith as long as Satan “the god of this world” (2 Cor. 4: 4), controls this present evil age (Job 1 and 2). But Satan’s activities have not denied Christians the promises of God’s abiding presence, His sovereignty and awesomeness. He is the ever-present help in time of trouble. Our attitude therefore must be to remain steadfast, immovable, and keep trusting Him who judges righteously.
No matter what your condition is – weak, poor, humble, apparently unimportant – Jesus cares for you (I Peter 5: 7), watches with concern every detail of life’s trials and struggles, and gives both the grace that is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12: 9) and His presence to guide you home (Matthew 18: 20; Acts 18: 10).
This is the Christian’s answer to every fear, every doubt, every trouble, every heartache, and every discouragement : Jesus cares!
The Bible identifies believers in the Lord Jesus Christ as the chosen servants of God (Eph. 1: 3-12; I Peter 2: 9). We can therefore claim the promises of God in Isaiah 41: 10-11 for ourselves. We must not fear any human because God is with us (Isaiah 40: 9; 43: 2, 5; Gen. 15: 1; Acts 18: 9-10). The Lord has promised to impart the grace and strength we need to face all the circumstances of life; to help us through times of crises as sure source of peace; and to sustain us and be our advocate and guide. Let us remember to trust Him and also to testify of His mercy, grace, favours and blessings before men as the church is doing today.
Have a stress-free week as you continually cast your burdens upon our God, who cares!
Your brother, Vicar & Archdeacon
Igein Isemede