Last night at prayer chapel, a few of us gathered around, reflecting on the burdens facing the people of our church. Hearts were heavy as we shared. As we were speaking I was reminded of something I tell people all the time: when God moves, the enemy mobilizes too. As I thought about that, God was pouring into my heart, and I was fighting being distracted by that as I listened to the others speak.
As the the others began to pray, God began to remind me that He is a PRESENT God, meaning that He is not aloof, He is here with us. Sometimes, we feel so small in this world. We feel powerless and without hope – insignificant, without impact. We may as well be a little worm, living our life hapless in a dark world.
13 For I am the LORD, your God,
who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
I will help you.14 Do not be afraid, O worm Jacob,
O little Israel,
for I myself will help you,” declares the LORD,
your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.
(Isaiah 41:13-14)
No matter how “small” we are, we are made mighty because God is our strength. We are made confident because He is our joy.
I will make rivers flow on barren heights, and springs within the valleys. I will turn the desert into pools of water, and the parched ground into springs.
(Isaiah 41:18)
Desolation is real – but so is God’s ability to bring abundant life in the worst desolation.
Thanks for sharing your struggles Herb. Your struggles, the church’s etc. It’s refreshing to see so many honest men around nowadays!
And yes he does mobilize for sure, God has won the battle that doesn’t mean the enemy will give up though!
It’s cool – there is an incredible sense of joy and anticipation surrounding our people – but the enemy really is working hard in individual lives.
Your post reminded me that victory is not by our own might but by His. We are going to face difficulties and opposition, but by relying upon Him, victory is assured.
I am glad you came away from my post with that – it’s an excellent side-kick to my post. Good stuff, man.
Seeing the desert firsthand in Israel, I’ve had such a powerful new appreciation for these types of passages in Isaiah.
There is life in the wilderness.
I bet – someday, I’ll visit the Holy Land.
Where we are and what we face are very real, but it will never be stronger or more powerful than His love and grace. What a hope! So glad we can experience this even in the midst of the darkness. We are loved. Amazing.
Thanks Herb. Speaking blessings and peace to you and your congregation today in Jesus’ name…
Thanks buddy – so many things bogging down the lives of our folks – I saw your post today – a good word man – could be a companion post to this one.
I really cannot add to this. I will say amen and thank you because this is one of those posts that I needed.
praying with you bud – and I mean it.
But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love. Psalms 33:18
That is all I can add…praying for you.
Thanks, Jay. I hope my post did not come off as a downer – I really was experiencing joy as I wrote it, and still am. Great things are happening for the church body – but some attacks on individuals are happening too.
Great thoughts man. So good to know he’s got back!
got *my back, that is. Maybe he has back too…I’m not sure.
haha – that cracked me up!
Praying along with you, my friend!
thanks, buddy!
Desolation is real – but so is God’s ability to bring abundant life in the worst desolation.
Praise God for making messes into beautiful masterpieces!
Yes, praise Him!
God does work but so does the enemy. You are in my prayers.
Thanks, Jim. Appreciate the prayers – but we’re good to go – we’ve come to expect the enemy.