06/03/2020
When we are in a serious dilemma do we find ourselves doubting in God’s ability to help us? When we are surrounded on all sides by a horde who would harm, or destroy us, do we feel lost? Well, fear not because our God is more than capable, and it is our own disbelief that prevents us from from seeing Him clearly, and witnessing His heavenly host that surrounds us... too numerous to count.
“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!””
Luke 2:13-14 ESV
On the night when Jesus was born a single angel appeared to the shepherds tending their flocks, and announcing to them that the Christ had been born... the Messiah had arrived. Although he was just one angel the heavenly light that surrounded them was so intense that they were frightened, and he calmed them by saying “do not fear“. They saw only the one angel and were afraid. Likewise, it is because of our own fear that God‘s presence is revealed to us in a less than overwhelming fashion. Yet there is so much more if we could only see Him fully. In the case of the shepherds their fear was calmed, and it was as if someone turned on a light switch; they were immediately surrounded by a host... all praising God!
“The word of the Lord came to Jeremiah: “Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me?”
Jeremiah 32:26-27 ESV
What we know of God, Jesus, and the Heavenly Host is just a taste of what is actually there, and when we doubt, it is because we have little faith in what is at work on our behalf. What problems do we have that are too great for God, or so far reaching that He is unable to confront them all? Faith... God reveals to us enough of who He is, or what He commands, to gird up our failing faith.
“When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”
2 Kings 6:15-17 ESV
In this bible story Elisha’s young servant was afraid because while they were in Dothan they were surrounded by a great Syrian army, and were about to be overwhelmed. The young man saw the vastness of the attacking army and was afraid, because his disbelief kept him from seeing the whole picture... he couldn’t see the heavenly army that was deployed about them. So Elisha asked God to reveal them to his servant, and this bolstered his faith. This is just as true today when our faith wanes... In answer to a prayer to strengthen our belief, God will show us just enough of Himself to calm our fears, and invigorate our faith.
“Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels?”
Matthew 26:53 ESV
Jesus calmed His disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane by merely telling them that He could call on heavenly armies if He so desired, but He didn’t need to show them. Do we need to be shown? Is our faith such that we must be see God’s Calvary every time we are faced with a crisis? Are we griped by fear because our faith is not sufficient, or do we experience peace in our confidence in His deliverance?
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”
Isaiah 26:3 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for reassuring us that you are mighty indeed, and that what is at your command is sufficient to address every problem we have. Thank you Lord for your promise to protect us, and for your faithfulness to your Word. Help us in our unbelief, and give us a strength of faith that will calm all of our fears. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who goes before us, and protects us against all harm. We praise you Father for your Son Jesus who shows us in His life how to remain faithful, and without fear in ours. Great are you in all things, and great is your heavenly host who stands guard over us. Wonderful are you, and your mercy and grace covers us always. Hear our prayers Lord God, and come to our rescue. See the enemy about us, and give us a peace in knowing you are more than able to defeat them. We worship you Father, and give you all the glory as our problems melt away, and you give us victory over darkness. We will sing to you, and shout “Glory to God in the highest!!” Forevermore.
“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. Behold, all who are incensed against you shall be put to shame and confounded; those who strive against you shall be as nothing and shall perish. You shall seek those who contend with you, but you shall not find them; those who war against you shall be as nothing at all. For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.””
Isaiah 41:10-13 ESV
Rich Forbes