"But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint" - Isaiah 40:31 (NIV).
Belief was and is an integral part of the Christian life. After Christ had been nailed at the cross there were two convicted criminals besides him. While one cast doubts at his power another believed without much evidence displayed that he was God. "Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise" (Luke 23: 42-43) .
When Abraham was up in years and childless, the Lord "took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness" (Genesis 15: 5-6). When once Moses doubted if he had had enough food in stock to feed six hundred thousand people under his charge, " The Lord answered Moses, “Is the Lord’s arm too short? Now you will see whether or not what I say will come true for you" (Numbers 11:23).
Incidentally, the opposite of belief is doubt. When God declares His word there is an enemy who will seek to frustrate it by casting doubt. Jesus once described Satan as " a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies" (John 8:44).
Today, if God has given you a promise, believe and do not doubt. For doubt comes from the evil one! But belief comes from God which He rewards to they that believe!
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I believe the promises upon my life, which I hold on to dearly, for you are a faithful God who never lets us down, this I pray in Jesus's name.
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03/05/2024 - 04/05/2024 All day“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10)
Every now and then one could be gripped with fear because of certain events sweeping before one’s life journey. It could be the finances that are stretched and incomes are no longer certain. Perhaps it is one’s job under threat. Perhaps it is a dreaded health report card. There could be fear about outcome of a matter under judgment and what it might mean to one’s future.
Fear has been elsewhere described as “an unpleasant emotion caused by the threat of danger, pain, or harm.” Every life will experience fear at one point. Whenever we are faced with fear it is natural to look for something to grasp on. Sometimes we run for shelter wherever we can find. Perhaps we might seek out a friend for quiet confidence.
But there are those situations when there is no shelter in sight. There are also those cases where those we thought would understand our situation once we share our pain return only hurting and critical feedback. In such moments we might then turn and look within ourselves only to find the energy has all been sapped by this gnawing fear. We feel down and the urge to rise and move on all gone!
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10) the word of God through prophet Isaiah assures us. But why? It is because the Lord has been there. He himself was faced with fear before his crucifixion but He looked to God.
Charles Spurgeon once wrote when faced with fear always remember, “Nothing is too hard for Him. He can find a way where there is no way. He can give us the idea that will make all the difference.” Psalm 91:2, says, “I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!” So, when faced with fear, look to God to strengthen you. By looking to Him, the Lord will encourage and lift up your spirit, and make a way out of nowhere!
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I surrender to you any fear that is in me for I know by looking up to you, you will always make a way out of nowhere, this I pray in Jesus’ name!
