“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” - Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)
In our Christian life there are those instances where it is necessary to first plead to God to go ahead of us in a pressing matter. We see it in the case of Queen Esther, who sought out King Xerxes to prevent a pending massacre on her peoples.
Rather than first approach the king directly, Esther decided to first, “gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law” (Esther 4:16). Because of these prayers God went ahead of Queen Esther. Once she approached the courts, “Then the king asked, “What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given you” (Esther 5:3).
After living for years in exile, Jacob decided to return to his people. However, he was afraid of meeting his brother Esau, who he had angered on several occasions, including tricking him and stealing his birthright (Genesis 25:33).
Jacob not only first sent gifts ahead to woo Esau (Genesis 32:3-5), but did the most important of things then. Then Jacob prayed, “O God of my father Abraham, God of my father Isaac, Lord, you who said to me, ‘Go back to your country and your relatives, and I will make you prosper,’ I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant. .. Save me, I pray, from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am afraid he will come and attack me, and also the mothers with their children” (Gen 32:9-11).
When Jacob finally met Esau, rather than the feared battle, “Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept” (Genesis 33:4). God had gone ahead of him.
These two examples show the importance of asking God to go ahead of us in any important matter. It could be a case of a judge who is about to decide a case against one. One might be about to face a neighbor over a boundary dispute. Perhaps it is meeting a hardened boss. Maybe it is a spouse who has made up his mind on a certain matter that still needs further reflection!
Well, pray first! May God go ahead of you!
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I pray that you go ahead if me in that pressing issue, talk on my behalf, and let the glory go to you, this I pray in Jesus’s name.
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29/04/2024 - 30/04/2024 All day“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27)
One of the most moving Christian song ever written is, “Its well with my soul!” To hear it sung in cathedrals, concerts or at funerals, always leaves many with goose bumps. It has uplifted many through the most difficult of moments, soothing their weary spirit.
It’s coming into being in many ways show how God so often uses difficult situations to bless so many. In 1871 Horatio Spafford, was one of the wealthiest lawyers, based in Chicago. He was also a devout Christian, along with his wife Ann, and their four daughters. But early in 1871 came the Great Fire of Chicago that destroyed Spafford’s sizable investment.
Devastated from the loss, Spafford, seeking to recover, two years later, decided to go for a holiday in Europe. But at the last minute he was detained by business, letting Ann and his four daughters to proceed, hoping to join them. No sooner had they left when the ship in which they were had an accident and sank within minutes. All the four children drowned, though Anna survived.
Spafford on receiving the news decided to go and pick up Ann. As he got to the spot where the ship had sunk, in his despair came the words that have brought respite to so many, through generations. “When peace like a river attendeth my way. When sorrows like sea billows roll Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say It is well, it is well with my soul... Let this blest assurance control That Christ (yes, He has) has regarded my helpless estate, And has shed His own blood for my soul. It is well...With my soul..
It is well, it is well with my soul.”It is said as Ann saw her daughters going down, she said, “God gave me four daughters. Now they have been taken from me. Someday I will understand.” And, indeed, “It is well with my soul” was God’s gift to all of mankind through a tragedy.
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of heaven, sometimes through tragedies, it is difficult to understand or appreciate the moment; but as the song goes, whatever the difficulty may be, “Its well with my soul” for you are with me, no matter! This I pray in Jesus’ name!
