Pastor column: Let God's promises deal directly with your situation

Rev. J. Patrick Street
Guest columnist

In Isaiah 41, God is comforting Israel concerning their relationship with Himself. The Lord said, “You are my servant; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (vs. 9-10). In these verses, God gives us, His children, some reasons to be encouraged. Some may say, “It seems that everything is against me.” Thank God, even when we forget His promises, He remembers.

The question comes to mind, “Why does God promise us anything? After all, it is us who should be promising Him things.” The fact is it doesn’t work that way. When we get saved, we begin to live under the economy of grace. From a human standpoint nothing God does makes very much sense. Notice what He said, “I have chosen you.” Therefore, He will do everything to see that we are looked after as we walk with Him. Now with this in mind, notice the promises God has given you for your journey.

First is God’s promise of His presence. He said, “I am with you.” His presence is powerful. His presence has the power to drive away fear … “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). His presence is perpetual … God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). Where life can lead, whatever my situation … still never alone!

Second is God’s three-fold promise of His power. God said, “I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” There are three aspects of His power that you can count on.

He will strengthen you. He will support you. He will sustain you. That’s God’s guarantee!

Remember, God did not save you to abandon you along the way. God doesn’t operate like that! I praise the Lord for His promises! Don’t you? However, let’s be honest, we do not all live like we believe these things, do we? Now is a good time for you to come before the Lord and thank Him for His Word and the promises it contains. Thank Him for being faithful and dependable. Ask Him to forgive you for your lack of faith in Him and His promises.

Our journey may be long, or it might be short. Whatever the length of it, or whatever we may face, I am thankful that we can count on God and His promises during our journey.

Rev. J. Patrick Street is the lead pastor of Redeemer Church in Marion. He can be reached at coachpatstreet@gmail.com.