TOPIC : FOR I AM WITH THEE
Bible Reading: Psalm 13-16; Acts 18
“For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.” Acts 18:10 (KJV)
In the residential estate in which I live, there is a family that has a son. The son has grown over the years to become an adolescent but he knows that his father loves him so much and has promised to always watch over him. One day, he was having his bath with soap foam all over his face when suddenly the electric power seized. The boy had an option; to scamper around for water to wash the foam on his face but he may hurt a little as he didn’t know exactly how he would be able to get to where water was or on the other hand, remain in his position and expect help would come.
Interestingly, he chose the second option and waited for his father to come. And truly, his father started looking for his adolescent son when he saw that power had seized in the house. And in a short time after the power seizure, he located his son, got him water and he was able to complete his bath.
The lesson here is that the boy had faith in his father even when time was of essence. That is an earthly father. What can you say about your Heavenly Father? Are you ready to trust him even when situations suggest otherwise. For example, in Acts 18:10 (KJV) , Jesus said to Apostle Paul in a night vision, “For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.” The Apostles, therefore, stayed in Corinth based on the Lord’s promise and continued to preach the gospel to the Corinthians for the next six months ( Acts 18:11). But then there was an insurrection in the city against Paul and he was brought to the Judgment seat. You can imagine what would have been going through the mind of the Apostle then. And then God showed up. Before Paul could start defending himself, the Judge dismissed the case! ( Acts 18:14-16 ). This is similar to what happened to Shedrack, Meshach and Abednego when they were pushed inside a fiery furnace and Jesus suddenly appeared in the furnace to ensure they were not hurt!
Are you going through any challenge and it appears the word of God will not be fulfilled? Be rest assured, God is not a liar! Whatever He has said He would do, He will do it.
Prayer point: Father in the mighty name of Jesus, please increase my faith to believe that whatever you promise shall come to pass.
Pastor Joel Ezeugo