Help in trouble!Speaker: Sis. Stella Dhinakaran Gist: The Lord has been their help and support at their time of crisis. It is nothing for the Lord to help whether with many or with those who have no power. "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." (Psalm 46:1).
Due to the attack of the evil one we pass through the valley of tears in our personal and family life. The onslaught comes in the form of infirmities, losses and challenges, because the world is lying in the grip of the evil one (I John 5:19). The thief comes only to steal kill and destroy (john 10:10).
That is why the Scripture tells us, "Resist the devil and he will flee from you" (James 4:7).
Again the Bible tells us, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8). Yet the Lord would stand by you as your help and support and encourage you (Psalm 86:17).
Job was a sincere devotee of God and he was living a peaceful and prosperous life. The devil tried his best to draw Job away from God by inflicting severe losses and agony on him. Finally, the Lord blessed Job abundantly more than his previous state (job 42:12). Since Job was loyal to God and held on to Him amidst all adversities, he was exalted by God (James 5:11).
"But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. And I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion" (2 Timothy 4:17) says Paul of how the Lord was with him when he passed through the various afflictions and agony and exalted him at the end.
In a certain country, four virgins were steadfast in following the Lord. Some jealous people caught them and left them exposed to bitter coldness in a snow clad region. They declared to them that they would come back and collect their dead bodies the following day. These four virgins held their arms together, knelt on the snow and prayed to God. "Lord, we love and praise You. We are willing to die cheerfully for Your name" was the prayer from the bottom of their heart. The next day the evil men were coming towards the sisters to collect their lifeless bodies. But as they were approaching them they were astonished to watch the four virgins raising their hands and glorifying God in loud voices! Yes! The Lord has been their help and support at their time of crisis.
Zerah the Ethiopian came against Asa with a large multitude of ten hundred thousands soldiers. But Zerah was many more times more powerful than Asa.
Asa cried out to God saying, "Lord, it is nothing for You to help whether with many or with those who have no power, help us" (2 Chronicles 14:11) and pleaded with the Lord to be his help and support. The enemies were over thrown before Asa (2 Chronicles 14:13). The Lord struck them. The same God Who helped and supported Asa who laid his faith in God, will also help you, who believe in Him, to overcome all the weakness, infirmities and worries that may come against you this year. Hold on to the Lord as Asa had done.
Prayer
Loving Heavenly Father,
I praise and thank You from the bottom of my heart. I sincerely admit that You alone are my refuge and my strength and a very present help in times of trouble. Help me to acknowledge the fact that my help comes from You O Lord who is the creator of heaven and earth. Please hold me in Your hands and carry me everyday. I thank you for Your divine protection. In Jesus' name I pray.
Amen. |