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| Photo by Bob Askey |
Early one morning, when I was feeling overwhelmed with parenting and teaching, keeping house and ministering, my eye came across the memory verses one of the men of the church chose for our latest competition. Immediately I knew the first verse was intended for me. (Others in our group would like to argue that the verse was sent from the Lord just for them; although I won't dispute it with them, just between us, it was a special word for my heart.)
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:10
Strikingly, in the Spanish version the second phrase reads, "Do not faint for I am your God who strengthens you". The promise has the additional word "always" and so in the midst of my angst, I found this encouragement, "I will always help you, I will always sustain you with the right hand of my righteousness."
When have you felt you just couldn't go on? Felt alone? Felt weakened and ready to faint? Perhaps you too will find renewed strength and courage in meditating on these beautiful divine promises of old. Many situations would frighten us, but Jesus has promised that He is with us until the end of the age and that He has overcome the world. Therein lies our courage: how can we be afraid if we believe in His presence and victory? Furthermore, we do not need to be dismayed, or faint, for He is our God, the One who strengthens us. Is there anything too hard for God? Not only do we have a powerful God, but our Lord is Love, He is our Aid, our Sustainer. Even if the battle be long or difficult, in Him there is no shortage of help and mercy.
Immediately I committed those precious promises to memory to store them for the next time doubts would assail me. "Thank you, Jesus, I know I am not alone, and you will show me the way and give me strength to meet every challenge. I trust you. Thank you. I love you."
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| Photo by Bob Askey |
Last winter I was reading Max Lacado's "Fearless" and the verse you used today was one that he had me turn to over and over again. I'm no longer very good at memorizing but this one I know in my heart and hang on to always. Praying all goes well with you and your's this day of the Lord cousin.
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Bonnie Marie
Thank you so much for your needed prayers. We surely do need to have His words in our hearts to hang onto in this world of strife. Blessings to you, Bonnie!
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