The Voice of Fear (2)

...He will work for you today...' Exodus 14:13

If you're battling fear today, listen to these words from the God Who loves you, protects you and promises to be with you. When there seems to be no way out, He says, 'Fear not; stand still (firm, confident, undismayed) and see the [deliverance] of the Lord which He will work for you today.' Notice the words, 'He will work for you today'. Start looking for evidence of His hand at work in your situation; that's how your faith grows. When the problem looks too big, He says, 'Be strong, courageous, and firm; fear not nor be in terror before them, for it is the Lord your God Who goes with you; He will not fail you or forsake you' (Deuteronomy 31:6 AMP). Stop and remind yourself whose company you're in. The One 'Who goes with you' has never lost a battle, and He will win this one. When you feel like you can't cope any more, He says, '...do not look around you... and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties...' (Isaiah 41:10 AMP). Notice the words 'harden you to difficulties'. God usually doesn't lift us out of the problem, He takes us through it and toughens us up. When you lose your peace of mind, He says, 'Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance... continue to make your wants known to God. And God's peace... which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds...' (Philippians 4:6-7 AMP). Don't listen to the voice of fear. God is with you today!

God Will Surprise You

See, I am doing a new thing... Isaiah 43:19

Can you imagine Moses surprise when God talks to him from a burning bush? As doors shut without explanation, Paul is surprised by a man from Macedonia calling to him in a vision, '...come over here and help us' (Acts 16:9 TLB). Well, He's still the God of surprises who says, 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?' Ah, there's the challenge - our perception. We fail to recognise God at work! Maybe you're saying, 'I've prayed, claimed God's promises, done all I know to do, yet nothing seems to be working for me.' Then try this promise: 'Therefore will the Lord wait, that he may be gracious unto you...' (Isaiah 30:18 KJV). Notice the word 'wait'. God has a plan and a timetable. 'Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails' (Proverbs 19:21 NIV). Even when your plans flounder, if your heart's right God will still make things turn out for your good and His glory. When it comes to God's guidance, here are some things you need to know. First, ideas go away, but His direction stays. There's persistence in His leading; that's why time is on your side. Second, His direction is impossible to follow without His help. He plans it that way. '...without Me you can do nothing' (John 15:5 NKJV). Third, His direction usually begins with discomfort. Like 'an eagle that stirs up its nest... The Lord... led him...' (Deuteronomy 32:11-12 NIV). A baby eagle is shocked when its mother forces it out of the nest. But that's when it 'finds its wings'. Think about it!