DEVOTION – DAY 382

Devotion, 25 Sept 2023

Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

The words “Do not fear, for I am with you” are well known words that God used to encourage His people. In Joshua 1:6-7, Joshua was greatly encouraged by God’s promises to be with him as he was called to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. It was a task that he lacked confidence in. He had no idea what lay ahead as they crossed the River Jordan. But God promised His presence, and that was all the assurance Joshua needed. He knew that God would strengthen him and help him every step of the way. There is a promise that God will come to his aid. Hidden in that promise is the promise of the coming of the Messiah. There is also the promise to be held in God’s right hand. In the Bible, God’s right hand is a symbol of power and salvation. Although Isaiah 41:10 is a promise given to the nation of Israel, it is also a promise that Christians can count on.

We know of several people who are facing various health issues. One teenager who is in the midst of her IGCSE trial exams was suffering from a severe case of eczema. She was in so much pain that she could not sleep properly nor rest. She also suffers greatly from side effects from her medication. She and her parents can only cry out to the Lord for help.

Another woman had severe pain in her legs giving her mobility problems. This problem plagued her for weeks and she faced potential lumbar surgery. She cried out to the Lord for help. The Lord gave her help in the form of a proper diagnosis of her condition. She could defer her lumbar surgery and she is trusting in the Lord that the new medication that she has been prescribed will ease her condition.

A woman was diagnosed with a malignant tumor. She was told that she should have the tumor quickly removed. She could only cry out to the Lord in prayer asking for His peace and wisdom to choose the right medical team to operate and remove the tumor. She was anxious but she knew that many people were praying for her. This gave her the inner peace she needed to calm her fears. She trusted in the Lord and His will for her.

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, thank you for coming to our aid when we cry out to you. Thank you for the promise of your presence and your righteous right hand over us. We pray this in the mighty name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Questions

  1. What fears are keeping are you facing? Will you cry out to the Lord for help? Share.
  2. How has God helped you in the past when you cried out to Him? Share.
  3. How does this verse give you the encouragement and assurance you need to face your fears? Discuss.
  4. Who do you know that are facing fears and how can you help and pray for them?