Be Encouraged; The Lord Is With You
Be Encouraged;
The Lord Is With You!
“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest”
(Joshua 1:9).
The story is often told of a man who went on a journey with God. Though he couldn’t see God physically, but he could see God’s footprints in the sand as they walked together. So each time he saw that extra pair of footprints, he knew the Lord was with him.
On the way, things got harder and harsher, and he experienced turbulent moments as they journeyed, “I’m supposed to be on this journey with God, how come things have gotten so rough and tough?” he queried. So, he looked to check if God was still there, and saw only one set of footprints and cried out: “Lord, where are you? How come you left me at the most difficult part of the journey?”
“I never left you,” the Lord replied, “I’ve been with you every step of the way.”
“No, you haven’t” the man cried. “I’d been seeing two pairs of footprints all along, and now there’s only one left in the sand?” Then, gently, the Lord replied him, “The footprints you saw weren’t yours but mine. I had to carry you when the journey became too rough and tough!”
How loving and caring our Lord is! Even when we don’t realize it, He’s there with us. At the most difficult part of the journey, when we think we’re all alone, He’s still there with us! Not to partake of trouble with us, or suffer along with us, but to bring us out victoriously. In Hebrews 13:5-6
He says “…I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” ”
The Lord commanded Joshua in the scripture above to be strong and courageous. That’s because He knew the time would come when certain things that could instigate fear and cause discouragement would happen. But He reassured him by saying, “…the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”The Lord is saying the same to you today: “Be strong and courageous!”
Men may have given up on you because of your decision to serve the Lord with your life, or you might even be facing tough times at home, in the office, or in school. Be encouraged! The Lord is with you:“When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee. Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life. Fear not: for I am with thee….” (Isaiah 43:2-5).
Confession
I refuse to be disheartened by any situation. Rather, I rejoice because I know the Lord is with me, and He’ll always make me victorious, for He’s my strength, my guide and my deliverer.
FURTHER STUDY
Matthew 28:20, Hebrews 13:5
