God Who Never ForsakesSpeaker: Sis. Stella Dhinakaran Gist: Problems and afflictions may surround you. But do not despair. The Lord who did not forsake Jacob will lift you up from all problems in life. He will never forsake you. He will be with you to the end. When the Lord of lords appeared to His servant named Jacob, for the first time, He gave him a wonderful promise. The Bible tells that Jacob was a mild man, dwelling in tents (Genesis 25:27). One fine day, he had to leave his parents, his own home and go to his uncle's house. As he was journeying, a wilderness encountered him. Night fell, and he did not know what to do. He took a small stone, kept it under his head for a pillow and slept. At midnight, Jesus showed to him a wonderful dream.
"And behold, the Lord stood above it and said: 'I am the Lord God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie I will give to you and your descendants. Also your descendants shall be as the dust of the earth; you shall spread abroad to the west and the east, to the north and the south; and in you and in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed. Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you.'" (Genesis 28:12-15)
When Jacob woke up from sleep, he was very happy. The Lord carried out what He had promised Jacob (Genesis 32:9,10). After that, Jacob went to the land of Egypt. The Lord appeared to him again and promised Jacob, "I am God, the God of your father; do not fear to go down to Egypt, for I will make of you a great nation there. 4 "I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also surely bring you up again" (Genesis 46:2-4).
I had been to Kashmir many years back. There is a beautiful snow-clad mountain called Gulmarg. The mode of transport to this hill are through horses. I wished to go there. But I was quite scared. So, I asked my guide, "Will this horse really take me uphill?" "Yes" he replied and then continued, "If ever this horse slips, the next second I will be standing next to you." I could not believe it. Anyway, I got onto the horse. About fifty of us had mounted and we journeyed up the hill. Suddenly, my horse slipped and I was about to fall. But the next second, just as he had promised, the guide came hurriedly and held on to me to keep me from falling. I was greatly surprised!
Very often we tell that our feet is slipping. But the Lord preserves us. The psalmist says, "If I say, 'My foot slips', Your mercy, O Lord, will hold me up. In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul" (Psalm 94:18-19).
Problems and afflictions may shake you. But do not become desperate. The Lord who did not forsake Jacob will lift you up from all problems in life. He will never forsake you. He will carry you till the end, just as He has promised.
Prayer:
Loving Heavenly Father,
I praise You for the promises that You have given me. I praise and thank You because You are going to be with me and guide me to receive all Your blessings. Father, whenever I am in despair, uphold me with Your righteous right hand. Make me stand even when I fall, as You have promised, "A righteous man may fall seven times and rise again." I praise You for answering my prayer as I pray in the name of Christ, my Lord.
Amen. |