How often in the course of our lives does the Lord ask us to do something for Him but we turn our heads because we don’t think we are able? In such moments do we convince ourselves that what we heard couldn’t have been from God because He knows we can’t possibly do this? Yet I ask, is that really true?
“I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.”
Psalms 121:1-3 ESV
As Christians we are stronger than even we can imagine. When we are faced with incredible hardship as the result of walking in our faith, God hears our cry for help, and strengthens us. When we find ourselves answering “Yes!” to God’s will, and don’t know how we will ever accomplish it, we can have faith that our Father will give us the wisdom and knowledge necessary... all through prayer in the name of Jesus. In our faith we become more than ourselves. In moments of weakness we should realize that Jesus abides in us, and we in Him... then call on His strength to join our own to do the will of our Father.
“You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus,”
2 Timothy 2:1 ESV
When I began writing this devotional, God first asked me to write a simple text message to a dear friend regarding my thoughts on an entry in a devotional book he had given me. When I was obedient to that then the next morning He asked me to write another. This went on for a while, and then one day He asked me to write a more in depth devotional message and send it to all those He who would ask to read it... every day... and though I knew it was beyond me, I said yes, but still, I worried that I didn’t know what to say... then each day He gave me what to write.
“fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10 ESV
Then, as things were going along smoothly, something happened... I became sick, and was diagnosed with cancer. I worried about my family, myself, and how I could possibly continue to write each morning as this cancer journey unfolded. I confided in my friend who had received my very first text message, and he drove from Atlanta to Nashville just to pray for me, and gathered others to pray for, and with, me as well. They prayed on conference calls, and in private, over the weeks, and months, many prayed.
“When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.”
Psalms 34:17-19 ESV
This was a lesson I was meant to learn through my tribulation... when we are doing God’s will there will be hardships, and times when we don’t think we can go on, but our Savior continues to abide in us, suffers with us, and intercedes for us with our Heavenly Father. When there doesn’t seem to be a way God makes one. So on those mornings when I felt so bad, the Lord would give me strength. On the morning when I had to go into surgery He gave me miraculous insight, and allowed me the time to write, as if time stood still. When I was recovering from my surgery He gave me strength to write... and by my being obedient He was faithful in His provision... thus through it all I wrote, and never missed a single morning... all this by His strength, and provision.
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.”
Proverbs 18:10 ESV
Since beginning this journey there have been many encumbrances that I have encountered. The dark one has placed a multitude of hardships in my path, and tried time and time again to make me abandon what God would have me do. There have been mornings when I heard only silence, and begged in prayer for just one word from God, days when my computer or internet failed, two mornings when I experienced mini strokes that confused my thoughts, and times when I had to return to the hospital... yet our Lord has held me up... He will hold you up too! God will give you strength when you can’t possibly go on, confidence when you think you can’t succeed, and the Holy Spirit will guide you when the way ahead seems dark as pitch.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah”
Psalms 46:1-3 ESV
So it might appear that I have written a great deal about myself this morning, but what I have really penned is my confidence in how our Lord will strengthen YOU. This should be your assurance that if God asks the impossible of you... He will make a way. When you look at what He desires, and are afraid, do not fear because He is with you. In those times when you are uncertain, weakened, or fearful, I encourage you to keep repeating Isaiah 41:10 to yourself because it is the anthem of those who do His will...
“fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10 ESV
And this can be your anthem too!
Prayer:
Father, thank you for asking me to do your will, and for seeing me through those things that at first blush seem impossible to me. Strengthen me, and lift me over every hurdle as I go forward in obedience to you. I thank you Holy Father for your Son Jesus who abides in me, and I in Him, as He intercedes in prayer for me. I thank you for your Holy Spirit that guides me and gives me understanding, And I thank you most for your unfailing love, presence, and Word, that strengthens me. I pray that you encourage, help, and give confidence to all those who are hearing your will today, and wondering if they can possibly say “Yes!” Give them your assurance Father, and embolden them in their response, and efforts. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who makes the impossible to be possible for us. Great is your strong right hand that strengthens us, and true is your Word that insures us that you will be with us always. Praised be your name Lord for all the roads you straighten before us, the fears you remove, and the amazing victories you lead us in. All glory is yours through your mercy and grace which flows from Jesus, and which gives us confidence in your love for us. Hear our song of our metal sing out against the steel as you sharpen us to accomplish all that lies ahead. You are our Lord, now, and forevermore.
“The Lord is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him.”
Exodus 15:2 ESV
Rich Forbes