“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze” - Isaiah 43:2 (NIV).
Followers of arguably the most successful English football club, Liverpool, are always encouraged by their anthem, “You shall never walk Alone!” The chorus that roars through their stadium, Anfield, before any game, is always an inspiring moment to the team and its worldwide supporters. It is a comforting experience for anyone on any journey to know that he is not alone but surrounded by well-wishers, some quite obviously closely around while others maybe in the far distant, around the globe.
Followers of Christ too, are most privileged that they are not walking alone! Immediately around them there are brethren who give them hope and comfort. Believer’s lives are also surrounded by mysterious beings, angels, cheering them along in their walk.
But then what are angels? The word angel means “Messenger” and there are numerous instances when God uses angels to deliver a message to His people. An angel of the Lord told Mary, “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a son, and shall call his name Jesus” (Luke 1:30-31). Angels are “ministering spirits sent forth to minister to those who will inherit salvation” (Hebrews 1:4). Angels do defend, protect and deliver believers when trapped in some knot. Psalm 34:7 says, “The angel of the Lord encamps around all those who fear Him, and delivers them.” Further, Psalm 91:11-12 says, “For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone”
Angels do strengthen believers whenever down. Luke 22: 43 says that when Jesus was tempted in the Garden of Gethsemane, “an angel appeared to him from heaven, strengthening Him.” As believers we are not walking alone, and what a comfort to know there are angels around, cheering us along the way.
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, creator of heaven and earth, what a blessing to know that in my walk with you I am not alone but surrounded by the brethren to strengthen my faith and angels who protect and deliver me from all harm, to which I am full of thanks!
Related upcoming events
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06/05/2024 - 07/05/2024 All day“Do not confirm to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is- his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2)
Almost all cultivators are aware that if soils are used perpetually without rains but constantly under work they are deprived of all nutrients. So, though once productive, they lose all power to yield fresh crops as before. But so is our Christian life when we do not regularly feed our spirit life with the Word!
In our leading verse, the Apostle Paul is urging believers to “renew” their minds rather than make them stale, lest they end up losing all power to yield fruit. But how is this done? We renew our minds by constantly reading the Word of God, for there are always insights with God speaking to us afresh. Psalm 119:104-5 says, “I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path. Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” The Apostle Peter reminds us, “Like newborn babies hungry for milk, you should want the pure teaching that feeds your spirit. With it you can grow and be saved.” It is a beautiful illustration for any who have seen a hungry baby sucking the teats of a mother.
Renewing our minds is also by reading about the lives of people of faith who have walked before us and their created works. The Christian faith started in the first century after Jesus was crucified and resurrected from the dead. Now over two millenniums it has produced giants of faith who have shared their walk with God through inspired teachings that are a treasure to dig into. By scouring the writings of the great saints before us, listening to their recorded sermons, songs and preaching, which these days can be found on virtual medial channels like Yu tube, reading their biographies, our faith is renewed.
And then we also renew our faith through fellowship. When the Apostle Paul urges us, “not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” ( Hebrews 10:25), he is reminding us that our faith cannot grow in isolation. During the Covid pandemic lockdown one bitter issue was denying Believers opportunity to meet fellow followers of Christ to share testimonies showing the work of God in their lives.
So today, if your faith is on a low keel, or you want it to flower, one thing you can’t help doing without is “renewing” your mind. The blessings to unfold are endless.
Prayer for today:Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, what a treasure we have of your rich Word to dig into always; books around us of faith to inspire us; and believers to share our faith- may we make use of these, this I pray in Jesus’ name.
