The Almighty GodSpeaker: Dr. Paul Dhinakaran Gist: Whatever trials we may have, our Lord grants us the strength to overcome them. He came to this world just to grant us strength to overcome our weakness. He tasted death to make our strength perfect. 'Mighty God' means the One who overcomes; the One who triumphs. Jesus said, "In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). If you read Matthew 14:22-33, you will find, in the fourth watch of the night, the disciples of Jesus who were sailing in a boat were tossed by the waves, because the winds were contrary. In fear and trembling, they were trapped in the mid-sea. Just then, Jesus came to them walking on the sea. As soon as He got into the boat, the wind ceased and all was calm. When Peter tried to walk on the water, he began to sink; Jesus streched forth His hand and lifted him.
Friend, the same Lord God, the Wonder-worker is still alive and He is with us. Trials and temptations may come, but we have with us a Lord who has power to overcome them all. At such crises, we very often deny the Lord. We backslide or doubt His power. Peter also did the same.
When Jesus was captured and arrested by the High Priests, Peter trembled in fear for his life. When they came to him and said, "You also were with Jesus of Galilee", he began to curse and swear, saying, "I do not know the Man" (Matthew 26:72-75). But the same Peter, after he received the Holy Spirit and God's power, stood zealously for the Lord to the end.
It is to grant us the strength to withstand backsliding from God amidst overwhelming problems in life that Jesus died on the cross. He took upon Himself our spiritual infirmities as well as physical infirmities (Colossians 2:14; Isaiah 53:5). Even as He overcame all the pricipalities and powers of this world on the cross, He grants us strength to overcome all temptations which may arise in our lives.
"At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth" (Philippians 2:10). Accordingly, when we call upon the name of Jesus, He will crush every force hostile to us. He will grant us grace to continue to live as His children.
There was a man of God called Billy Pray. He was very poor. One day, his little daughter suffered from high fever. When he returned home, his wife asked him to bring a doctor at once to save the child's life, giving him what little money she had. While he ran fast to bring a doctor, on the way he saw a poor widow languishing in hunger. He gave her the money he had and asked her to buy some food for her and her starving children. After she had gone, he was left in anguish. He wondered how he could take the doctor home to save his daughter's life. He jumped amidst the bushes on the roadside, knelt down and looked up to God. The Holy Spirit descended on him with great power and overcame his fear. He just cried, "My Father, save my child." And then he started to praise God, "Thank You Father, for saving her life. I know that You won't forsake her. You are my Father." A divine peace and immense joy filled him. He ran back to his house. His wife came running to the doorstep, embraced him and said joyfully, "Our daughter suddenly opened her eyes and I find that the fever has vanished altogether." What a great joy it was!
My dear friend, whatever trials you may face, our Lord grants you the strength to overcome them. He came to this world just to grant you the strength to overcome our weakness. Amidst trials and tribulations He walked the way of cross and overcame them all triumphantly.
Prayer:
Wonderful and Almighty Father,
I praise You because You are almighty. You have perfect authority in Heaven and on earth. Father, I praise You because You have taken total control of my life even now. Strengthen me whenever I am weak. Be with me in all trials and tribulations. Father, bless whatever works that I do and grant me the grace to be Your child in every way possible. I place myself at the feet of the cross of Calvary and pray in the name of my Saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen. |