Day 6: God is EMMANUEL (God with us) – 17 February 2020
Benescke Janse van Rensburg
Se(di)ngolwa (t)sa Bibele
JOSHUA 1
1 SAMUELE 17
ESAYA 41
With sweaty palms, Joshua grabbed hold of Moses’ walking stick. The moment has arrived. He had to rise up as the new leader of Israel. Yet, he wondered: Will I be good enough to fulfill this calling? With a heart beating fast, Esther took the first step towards the King – uninvited, but with a mission. In her heart she wondered: Will I survive this evening? With adrenaline pumping through his veins, David put the fifth pebble in his pouch. He picked up his sling and started walking toward the giant, Goliath. Years alone in the field as a shepherd prepared him for this moment. Are you today where those three people once were – unsure, tense, with adrenaline rushing through your veins and sweaty palms? Maybe you are unsure of our ability to make a success in that new position in the workplace. You might be facing a challenge in a relationship or wonder if you will get through this month with your finances. Or maybe there’s a Goliath in your life who belittles and intimidates you. All Joshua, David and Esther had to fall back on, was their faith in God. Listen again to God’s words to Joshua in Joshua 1:9: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Listen again to David’s words to the giant in the middle of the battlefield: “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied” (1 Samuel 17:45). Also in Isaiah 41:10 we read: “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.” God is EMMANUEL – God with us. He was with these three people in their most difficult moments. He is also with each one of us. May we approach this week with confidence with this knowledge. God bless. Father God, thank you that You never leave me nor forsake me. Please help me not to panic, but rest assured in You. I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen
