“But they that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk, and not faint” - Isaiah 40:31 (KJV).
One may wonder why Abraham is considered as the father of believers. There is one case that can explain. Long in having a child Abraham had to wait on God to have one. Imagine, “Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him” - Genesis 21:5 (NIV). That took a bit of waiting.
Yet, if all that waiting was not enough, came the test of all. “Then God said, “Take your son, your only son- whom you love - Isaac. Sacrifice him ..as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you” (Gen 22:2). After that much waiting the child was now being yanked from him.
Abraham never doubted God. He took Isaac, bound him up, and just as he was about to slay him, the angel of the Lord called on him. “Do not lay a hand on the boy. Do not do anything on him. Now I know that you fear God because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son“ (Gen 22:12).
That was Abraham. Any of us can equally pass through a taste of belief. We have waited for years and perhaps think God has forgotten us. And just as we are about to receive and enjoy that which we longed for troubles visit us, from no where.
The faith of Abraham should stay on our minds. “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end, they are new every morning, great is thy faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23, NIV).
Prayer for today: Lord father in heaven, today I pray in the loving name of Jesus that my faith in you may shine and take me through all times!
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04/05/2024 - 05/05/2024 All day“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid nor be dismayed, for the Lord your good is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua, 1:9 NKJV)
Self doubt is common to any life. Sometimes it can be a result of a challenge one is about to face. After Moses had passed on, Joshua knew he was succeeding a giant to lead the people of Israel to the Promised land. When someone succeeds a great leader there is bound to be comparison, a bit of which might be unfair and disheartening. As we see in this case, the mission was yet to be completed. If anyone, Joshua wouldn’t mind some encouragement.
Joshua would receive the encouragement he needed from God. He was assured that God Himself had chosen him to succeed Moses and take on the uncompleted task. God assured Joshua through His word that He would be with him. Joshua had had enough experiences to know that God’s promise was unfailing. After Moses sent out the twelve spies to explore the land the Israelis were about to invade, he and Caleb were the only two who believed that because of faith in God they could overcome the giants they saw (Numbers 13).
Today, any of us may be facing a task no less overwhelming from our experience as Joshua faced. Perhaps we have taken on a momentous office. We could be setting on a journey of undetermined length. Maybe there is a challenge that has just risen up from nowhere and we seemed all submerged.
The words God gave Joshua, his servant, should be of encouragement to us. Just as God commanded Joshua not to be afraid or dismayed, may we walk in that confidence.
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today whatever task I face, I look up to you, and hold on to the words you gave Joshua, not to be afraid or dismayed, for you are with me, this I pray in Jesus’ name.
