ONE WHO HANDLES YOUR HARDSHIPSSpeaker: Dr. Paul Dhinakaran Gist: God is our brother born to defend us in times of our adversity. He says, “Do not be terrified. I will not forsake you.” It is great joy to have a supernatural elder brother. The Lord says He is your brother (Matthew 12:50). For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. (Romans 8:29) He is the eldest brother in your family. How does a brother act? “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (Proverbs 17:17). He is a brother who takes care of us in our adversity. "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) St. Paul the apostle says, "We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22).
At the time of tribulation your elder brother (God) will step into your life. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:6-7). Faith that is more precious than gold has to be tested through the fiery furnace of tribulation. Do not be afraid because you are never alone – your elder brother will stand by your side.
God will never allow you to be handed over to the enemy – the devil. “So shall they fear The name of the LORD from the west, And His glory from the rising of the sun; When the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the LORD will lift up a standard against him” (Isaiah 59:19)
Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (Romans 8:26). The Holy Spirit knows the mind of God and therefore intercedes for us.
Let us earnestly pray everyday saying “Thy will be done.” The Lord’ prayer is a solution to many of our day today problems. We must make it a point not only to say this on special occasions but make it our daily prayer with all diligence. God has planned everything perfectly. "although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.” (Hebrews 4:3) Just pray, “Let Your will be done in my life.” The Holy Spirit knows the plan of God concerning you. The devil cannot put a barrier, block or break and stop your growth or make you stagnate whether in the spirit, flesh or in your family life. God raises a standard against the devil by bringing the mind of God into your heart. Jesus does not fight the devil directly but defeats him through you. When you say you are weak, He fills you with the Holy Spirit, grants you the right word and revelation of your life and enables you to claim it. When we read the Bible God speaks to us. He is our brother born to defend us in times of our adversity. He says, “Do not be terrified. I will not forsake you.” It is great joy to have a supernatural elder brother. God takes all your responsibility and says, “Do not fear!” Therefore cheer up today and say, “I have an elder brother who will fight for me in the midst of adversity.”
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
I thank You for being my elder brother constantly reminding me to cheer up. You alone take all my responsibilities and fight for me in the midst of adversities. Great joy surrounds when I know that You are always with me unto the end of ages. Bless this day and may I always abide in Your awesome presence and be witness for Your wonders.
In Jesus’ name I pray.
Amen |