Assurance from GOD

Assurance from GOD

Exodus 14: ¹⁵ And the Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward. ¹⁶ But lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it. And the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea. ¹⁷ And I indeed will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them. So I will gain honor over Pharaoh and over all his army, his chariots, and his horsemen. ¹⁸ Then the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I have gained honor for Myself over Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen.”

 

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Seeing the Egyptian army pursuing them, the children of Israel cried out to the LORD in fear. GOD spoke to Moses and said what HE would do.

 

My Observations:

• GOD knew the people were scared and did not scold them for it.
• GOD asks Moses a leadership building question to grow him beyond fear.
• GOD told Moses what HE was about to do through him.

 

“Lift up your rod” is symbolic for what GOD was going to do. GOD was raising Moses up to continue to be their leader. GOD would part the sea, but HE wanted the people to witness a human holding up a rod so they would believe that HE listens to Moses.

 

GOD also wanted the Egyptians to believe there is no other GOD. HE promised that after this encounter with HIM, the Egyptians would no longer be a threat. No military force can withstand GOD. The Egyptian hearts would solidify in thinking they could defeat GOD’s people. GOD reassured HIS people by telling them what HE would do.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about HIS conversation with him concerning HIS promise?
• Has GOD made you a promise that needs reassurance?
• Will you ask GOD for reassurance, knowing HE does not mind if you are afraid right now?

Cured by Encouragement

Cured by Encouragement

Acts 20: When the uproar had ended, Paul sent for the disciples and, after encouraging them, said goodbye and set out for Macedonia. ² He traveled through that area, speaking many words of encouragement to the people, and finally arrived in Greece, ³ where he stayed three months. Because some Jews had plotted against him just as he was about to sail for Syria, he decided to go back through Macedonia. ⁴ He was accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy also, and Tychicus and Trophimus from the province of Asia. ⁵ These men went on ahead and waited for us at Troas. ⁶ But we sailed from Philippi after the Festival of Unleavened Bread, and five days later joined the others at Troas, where we stayed seven days.

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Feeling lost, I attended a meeting with other out of work people. “What am I going to get out of this?” I asked myself. I mean, I should be meeting people with jobs, not people who are down and out like me. Someone approached me and introduced himself. He had been out of work for a year. He smiled and encouraged me. I felt better. Maybe this group isn’t so bad.

• Many times I needed to hear encouraging words.
• Many times I just wanted to hear that it would be alright.
• Many times I desired to hear I was on the right path.

Paul gathered the disciples after the riot. Some were probably a little shaken, especially those who were grabbed and put in front of the public. He encouraged them without making the situation seem lighter than it was. Paul left and went to other places, spreading encouragement.

• GOD gives me access to people who can encourage me.
• GOD sees my troubles and heals me when I encourage others in the middle of my troubles.
• GOD grows me to encourage people who are going through something I have been through or I am going through right now.

People need relief, especially when difficult times seem to go on and on. Encouragement is in short supplies these days. When I am feeling low, sometimes the best way out is to speak life and encourage someone. When I hear the words I am saying, it ministers to me, sometimes more than the person I am speaking to. I am grateful GOD has sent the HOLY SPIRIT to comfort me.

• Are you troubled?
• Does it seem like there is no way out of your situation?
• Will you be encouraged that GOD hears your cry and wants to use this situation to bless many people through you and only you?
• Will you encourage someone today even in the middle of your troubles?

Frightened Excitedly

Mark 16: ⁶ But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. ⁷ But go, tell His disciples—and Peter—that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you.”

⁸ So they went out quickly and fled from the tomb, for they trembled and were amazed. And they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

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Hearing my name called over the school intercom amongst others was a bit disturbing and intriguing at the same time. I recognized the names so I knew we weren’t in trouble. “You passed the test and got into the high tech high school” the principal said to us. I ran down the hall excited but now a bit disturbed as I had never been to a school this large before.

• Sometimes I get frightened by some exciting news.
• There were times when I heard some great news yet walked away frightened by the next steps.
• Sometimes I hear great things but get nervous about the future of that news.

An angel spoke casually to the two Mary’s. He tried to keep them as calm as possible but the news was just too overwhelming. He told them “You seek JESUS of Nazareth, who was crucified. HE is risen!” This bold statement was too much to comprehend so he tried to show the evidence by telling them to look at the rolled away stone and the empty tomb, but they were too excited and frightened.

• JESUS wants me to know HE is alive and in control of my situation.
• JESUS wants me to “Not be alarmed” but to be excited about HIS daily guidance.
• JESUS wants me to tell many people about HIM rather than focusing on the negatives around me.

Even though the strong military force who was looking for anyone associated with JESUS could find the two Mary’s, that was the least of their concern. They had a flood of emotions that included amazement and fright at the same time. GOD had blessed them with “first response” news that was a huge responsibility to tell. HE does the same with me and it is up to me to respond.

• Are you called by GOD to spread HIS great news?
• Have you gotten frightened by life that you feel paralyzed to speak about JESUS in an excited way?
• Can you get your focus back and begin speaking about CHRIST, who saved you, today?

Talking Scared

Mark 9: ² Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up on a high mountain apart by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. ³ His clothes became shining, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them. ⁴ And Elijah appeared to them with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. ⁵ Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”— ⁶ because he did not know what to say, for they were greatly afraid.

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“What were you all doing?” said one of the pledge leaders in the fraternity. Scared out of my wits, I blurted out the truth. “We got delayed looking for our line brothers” I said. “Wait a minute, they said they were with you.”

• There have been times when I was in trouble.
• There have been times when I thought I had to say something.
• There have been times when I needed to keep my mouth shut long enough to understand the situation.

I was actually not trying to get anyone in trouble, just save our hides. Peter had no clue what he was saying. He did not question the fact that Elijah and Moses were right there in front of them after being written about hundreds if not thousands of years prior. He was so scared that he blurted what was top of mind.

• GOD wants me to recognize HIS amazing power.
• GOD wants me to be prepared when HE shows me HIS face.
• GOD wants me to seek out HIS amazement on a daily basis.

JESUS will return soon someday and I need to be ready for an amazing appearance. I don’t know how prepared I can be, but I do know I would prefer HIM to catch me in the act of doing something HE wants me to do.

• When you get frightened do you blurt out the first words that come to mind?
• Before you speak, can you ask GOD “Is this what you want me to say?”
• Will you slow down when you are frightened and let GOD give you the right words?”

Rescue from Above

Isaiah 31: ⁴ This is what the Lord says to me:

“As a lion growls,
    a great lion over its prey—
and though a whole band of shepherds
    is called together against it,
it is not frightened by their shouts
    or disturbed by their clamor—
so the Lord Almighty will come down
    to do battle on Mount Zion and on its heights.
⁵ Like birds hovering overhead,
    the Lord Almighty will shield Jerusalem;
he will shield it and deliver it,
    he will ‘pass over’ it and will rescue it.”

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“How are we going to make it to the bus?” I thought. I mean there were gang-bangers everywhere this day. One of my classmates, who lived in the neighborhood, whistled a very distinct whistle. Suddenly I noticed the gangsters retreat.

• There were times when it seemed like this is going to be “it.”
• There were times when it seemed like the situation could not get any worse.
• There were times when it seemed like I was going to meet my demise.

Still frightened, I stepped outside with my friends. We walked safely to the bus stop and amazingly got on the bus without harm. Our classmate knew the thugs and with one whistle, told them to retreat. We were watched over.

• GOD says to me “I AM watching over you on a daily basis even when you don’t feel it.”
• GOD says to me “I AM the almighty and I will do battle for you.”
• GOD says to me “I AM rescuing you every day so do not be afraid.”

Looking at the problem too long makes me frightened. I mean as I stare at the calamity, I am no longer looking at GOD. HE is the one who shows me the way. GOD put my classmate there, at the right place, at the right time. GOD watches over me daily and I praise HIM!

• Are you scared?
• Are you frightened?
• Can you put your trust in GOD rather than your knowledge?
• Won’t you stop fighting GOD by spreading your ways and follow HIS?

Hiding in a Safe Place

Psalm 62: ⁵ Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
    my hope comes from him.
⁶ Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
    he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
⁷ My salvation and my honor depend on God;
    he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
⁸ Trust in him at all times, you people;
    pour out your hearts to him,
    for God is our refuge.

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Pea green was the color I remember as a child. The first time I watch the clouds go from very dark charcoal grey to a greenish color stayed in my mind. The clouds began to swirl and I stood on the porch and watched as a small tornado began to form. It never touched down but I was fascinated. I saw the sky change again as a teen, then again in early adulthood. The last time I saw the clouds look like that was when I had to tell my family to go in the basement because the twister was definitely on its way.

• There are times in my life where I have had to run for cover.
• There are times in my life that seem like the situation is too powerful for me.
• There are times in my life that seem so overwhelming that all I can do is run and hide.

From childhood I was taught to go hide in a basement or the lowest place I could find when a tornado approached. This form of weather is so wild and extreme and out of control that all I can do is hide, same with life sometimes. Life has a way to seem so wild and out of control that it can feel like a tornado of missed expectations from all sides. Where can I hide when life gets out of control?

• GOD says to me “Come unto ME all of you that are heavy laden and I will give you rest.”
• GOD says to me “Look to ME and I will give you renewed hope and peace.”
• GOD says to me “I AM the only fortress, every other shelter will be shaken.”

Reliance on houses, cash, insurance or ability is what causes me to be shaken. When I rely on stuff that could be broken or run out then I feel scared. BUT GOD is never exhausted, never scared, always willing to love me in spite of me. HE knows I forget about HIM when times are good and welcomes me when I run to HIM when I am scared. HE is the best hiding place in the middle of a storm and I can say “thank YOU for whatever the outcome as long as I am with YOU.”

• Are you frightened?
• Do you feel a storm around you?
• Can you relax your thoughts and stop focusing on the problem and focus on GOD’s greatness?
• Will you stop believing the lie that GOD is not doing anything in your life and believe that GOD is blessing you daily?

Fear of Failure

Psalm 16: ⁵ Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup;
    you make my lot secure.
⁶ The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
    surely I have a delightful inheritance.
⁷ I will praise the Lord, who counsels me;
    even at night my heart instructs me.
⁸ I keep my eyes always on the Lord.
    With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

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As I made my next move I decided to vet my idea to a few people. One person said I should “go left” another said “go right” another said “wait” and another said “charge.” When it was all said and done I was confused and went nowhere. Shortly after, another person who overheard the idea took it and ran with it, receiving accolades. I was indecisive.

• Unknown trails are scary to me.
• Fear of failing causes me to stay put.
• Impatience causes me to have knee-jerk reactions rather than calculated moves.

One definition of fear is wanting and desiring success or peace, but not taking any steps to get there. Whether it’s under or overthinking, fear cascades through my mind, thinking the worst could happen. Fear gets larger the more responsibility I take on. BUT GOD has some good advice for me.

• GOD says to me “Fear not, for I AM with you.”
• GOD says to me “MY grace is sufficient.”
• GOD says to me “I will wipe away your tears.”

The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places and I can see the delightful inheritance of GOD. HE is the only one who can bring peace in the middle of the storm. HE whispers, so I need to quiet down to hear HIM and HIM alone, especially when others around me are confused or panicked. GOD wants me to hear HIM so I will not be shaken.

• Are you shaken?
• Do you have fear?
• Can you put your fear in GOD rather than on the thing you want so badly?
• Will you seek GOD’s comfort by telling HIM, out loud, what is bothering you?
• Can you prepare yourself for GOD to say “No” or “Wait” or “Yes” in HIS time?

Bravery

2 Samuel 10: ¹² Be strong, and let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. The Lord will do what is good in his sight.”

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As I gobbled down my lunch, I set up my Backgammon game waiting for my next victim. Yes I said Backgammon and we had classes in caves too. A friend of mine brought an antagonistic individual to the table. He said to me “What would you say if I said there is no GOD?”

The only reason I remember this so vividly is because this was the first time anyone had challenged my beliefs. I mean up to this point I went to church and came home like everyone else. No one had ever asked me to explain my beliefs. I was scared, but words came out of my mouth. “I just know” was the beginning of the conversation that took the rest of the period.

• When I face something difficult, I get scared.
• When I face antagonistic situations I get frightened.
• When I face what seems to be an army of issues, I get nervous.

Fear consumes me, then it makes me want to run and hide in the corner.  At that point nothing gets done. I then remember the fear and get scared to try anything that is challenging. BUT GOD wants something different of me.

• GOD wants me to be strong when times are difficult.
• GOD wants me to fight when I face a foe of HIS.
• GOD wants me to realize the battle is won because HE is the one who fights for me.

When entering any battle I must equip myself with the knowledge that the outcome belongs to GOD. This makes me approach the battle differently.  I see an opponent as an ally rather than someone who needs to be conquered or removed to get my way.  This is GOD’s child and compassion coupled with strength is how I need to go into the battle.

I can’t win unless we all win. I must be brave enough to bring others along, when I can.

• Are you facing fear?
• Are you scared of something new?
• Can you give your fear over to GOD?
• Won’t you BE STRONG because GOD is with you? 

Change of plans may not be a good idea

1 Samuel 28: ⁴ The Philistines assembled and came and set up camp at Shunem, while Saul gathered all Israel and set up camp at Gilboa. ⁵ When Saul saw the Philistine army, he was afraid; terror filled his heart. 

⁶ He inquired of the Lord, but the Lord did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets. ⁷ Saul then said to his attendants, “Find me a woman who is a medium, so I may go and inquire of her.”

“There is one in Endor,” they said.

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“LORD please make me wealthy” was my childish prayer at the time. With bills mounting high and no relief in sight, fear fell over me and I didn’t know where to go. I did not hear anything from GOD. No signs or people or bags of money from heaven. I devised a plan. “Powerball!” I immediately bought a lottery ticket and pledged to give a tenth of my millions to the closest church.

• Fear makes me turn from GOD.
• Fear makes me murmur at trials GOD takes me through.
• Fear makes me put my hope into something other than GOD.

When I am filled with fear, I see things differently. I “react” instead of consulting GOD and sometimes put my trust in something other than HIM. GOD wants me to think differently.

• GOD wants me to trust HIM in the middle of my fear.
• GOD wants me to understand HE loves me in the middle of my trial.
• GOD wants me to tell others of HIS might even before HE delivers me out of my troubles.

Fear makes me change my plans and run away from GOD. I seek comfort somewhere other than where GOD tells me and my plans fall apart rapidly. When I seek GOD’s face I come through the trial triumphant, no matter what I’m facing!

• Are you facing a trial?
• Do you feel alone?
• Can you seek GOD instead of dreaming of a plan that doesn’t have HIM in it?
• Won’t you ask GOD for HIS success instead of yours?

Stand Still and watch GOD work

Exodus 14: ¹³ Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. ¹⁴ The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

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Technology is great when it works! Today I got up and I go through my usual routine of drinking coffee in order to pry one eye open. I sat down to check my technology security. Since I work with many technology companies, the right hand doesn’t always talk to the left. In other words my usual routine was thrown into a tizzy when I got a message “Access Denied” from my own technology.

Frantically I started making calls. As I spoke to support, they began to panic. Something within me said “calm everyone down” so I did. I got everyone to talk to each other and the problem was because of a simple change that I was not informed about. Something tiny caused a great deal of stress.

• When problems happen I get stressed out.
• When situations happen I start moving faster and faster trying to react before the situation gets worse.
• When trouble happens I squirm until I get out of trouble.

Even experts will say during any emergency, stay calm and I definitely agree. Panicking blinds me and I can’t think or hear. Many times the situation can be alleviated through some simple solution but in a panicked state I dream of big solutions instead of simple. This causes me to panic more!

• GOD says “do not be afraid” which means HE is in control.
• GOD says “stand firm” which means HE will absorb the blow.
• GOD says “today I will see deliverance” which says it all.
• GOD says “HE will fight for me” which means who can beat HIM?

My feeble plans and solutions are nothing compared to the almighty GOD! HE laughs at adversity and sneers at problems. HE commands evil to step back and watch HIS deliverance. I need only to be still.

• Are you in a panicked state?
• Do you see no way out of your situation?
• Can’t you depend on GOD to deliver you?
• Won’t you put your trust in HIM instead of your plans?

Don’t be afraid!

Revelation 1: ¹⁷ When I saw him, I fell at his feet as if I were dead. But he laid his right hand on me and said, “Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last. ¹⁸ I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave.

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Sometimes I get worried and think “my” situation is “my” situation. I pout and whine and plan and wince and I stay right in the same place, staring at my circumstance. Who can save me?

• GOD said “Don’t be afraid” because there is no circumstance greater than HIS might
• GOD said “I am the living one” which means I can help you right now and tomorrow.
• GOD said “I am alive forever and ever!” so have no fear about what I say today because MY promises can never be broken.

Since JESUS is the FIRST and the LAST, there is no decree or law or situation that can go outside of HIS rule. HE says HE is love and HE means it. My life here on Earth is just as precious as my life after the Earth passes away.

HE speaks to me and says “Do not be afraid.” Even though GOD is almighty and I sin, HE has incredible restraint and somehow translates my broken relationship with HIM into something that is mended and useful.

GOD is the great “I am” so I do not have to be afraid!

• What are you afraid of?
• Can you give your circumstance over to GOD?
• Won’t you surrender your sins to HIM as well?