Two Things I Know

Pictures of the terror attack on 22nd September in the Westgate Shopping Mall in Nairobi shocked the world. One of the most moving images for me was of a four year old girl running in terror across an empty corridor after hiding under a table for four hours a few yards from the terrorists. She ran into the outstretched arm of her rescuer, who held a gun in his hand for self- protection, and she was taken to safety. The little girl had never seen the man before, but she trusted him.

God expects us to trust Him. The root of faith is the knowledge of a person. Through the person of Jesus, we can enter into intimate heart knowledge of God, which is entirely different to head knowledge. The more we know Him the more we will trust Him.

Our text today gives two truths about the character God that keep us secure, for true security cannot be found outside of Him. God is strong; that means powerful. God is loving; that means He is loving you now just where you are.

Because God is strong (powerful) nothing is outside of His control. This means I do not need to be in control and thus hinder His purposes for my life. God’s strength operates in my weakness and He promises to keep me from all harm when I choose His ways and not my own. Heart knowledge of this wonderfully strong God assures me that I need not worry for He is powerful and will provide for my every need. Worry is the interest I pay on a debt I may never incur. I need not fear, because He is strong enough to protect me whatever life may hold. Much of my fear is an indication that my security is not firmly rooted in God alone.

Because God is love I can be assured that He works for my good in every single situation. His love is unfailing, unconditional and undeserved, so I can rely on His unchanging character, even when life seems to be an uphill road. God is love so I don’t have to strive to earn it. I don’t have to prove myself – simply be obedient to live in the joy of His Fatherly love. “I am loved by the true and living God.” He demonstrated His love at the cross and that is truly amazing love.

Yes, two of God’s many wonderful attributes are strength and love. He simply asks me to trust Him and obey Him, with the knowledge that I am secure in Him.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for revealing Yourself to me in the person of the Lord Jesus. Thank You that gave Him to die on the cross so that I can know You. I pray today that I will grow in the knowledge of Your ways and Your heart, through Your Word and through Your Spirit. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.