I am With You
by Liz Griffin
God speaks to His people, the nation of Israel, through Isaiah the prophet. It is understood that the words of Isaiah chapters 40 to 55 were specifically addressed to the exiles in Babylon, but they go far beyond that as a message to all God’s people for all time to come. God tells them that they were chosen and taken from the ends of the earth as His servant in Chapter 41. They are not to be afraid because He will help them and be with them and deal with their enemies. ‘I the LORD will answer them; I the God of Israel will not forsake them’ ( Isaiah 41:17).
God’s character and His heart of tender love, kindness, grace, mercy and compassion are fully revealed in His message. He knows how weak they really are but says ‘I am the one who helps you, declares the LORD; your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel’ (Isaiah 41:14).
The words leap out from the page at me; 'Fear not, for I am with you; do not be 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). The battle against surrendering to fear is an ongoing one. I find I have gained the victory in many areas of past fears and I can look back and be so thankful to the Lord. Yet new challenges can result in that sudden return of helplessness as a child when things go wrong and I don’t understand why. As an adult I’m not in control anymore.
God’s Word teaches me that my relationship with my Heavenly Father will be different from those of my childhood experiences. There will be no nasty shocks of finding I’m in trouble for something when I didn’t know I’d done anything wrong. He is patient and kind. He doesn’t make impossible demands. He shows me the best way to go and then helps me to reach the goal.
I can surrender myself to Him and take hold of His hand whenever I feel afraid. I’m not alone. He is with me. The fears can be replaced by security and knowing He is a loving Heavenly ‘Dad’. He will never leave me alone. He never rejects me in any way. What a comfort in the midst of turmoil and times of trouble!
Jesus came to show us what our Heavenly Father is like and He often told His disciples not to be afraid. He also promised to give us the peace that passes understanding.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly father, I know I can trust You in all the situations I find myself in. Nothing is too difficult for You. I choose to take Your hand and allow You to uphold me and strengthen me. Thank You that You promise to be with me. Please help me to keep trusting in You, in Jesus’ name.
Liz Griffin lived for 20 years as an expatriate in South Africa, Bahrain and Japan, as her husband Paul worked for an international oil company. Paul and Liz became involved with Ellel Ministries in 1991 as part of the ministry team and joined the full-time team at Ellel Grange in 1995. Paul and Liz teach and minister to those seeking healing in their lives and together have written two books, 'Anger - How Do You Handle It' and 'Hope and Healing For The Abused'.
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