Whenever children approach a dark or uncertain place or a patently risky place, it is just natural for them to call for adult company. In our clime, often when children need to cross the highway, they would look for an adult and plead with the adult to hold their hands and cross them over. Similarly, we all need God to hold our hands at crossroads or important junctions of life. On our own, we cannot navigate the complexities of life. However, with the help of God, we can do all things.
For the Christian, the help of God is not uncertain. Jesus Christ assured us of divine company by Himself when He said, “…and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28: 20). This statement is often appropriated as a word of comfort or a source of confidence amid the travails of life. This is correct. There is no greater comfort that a Christian needs in times of trouble than the awareness that the Lord is with him or her (Psalm 23: 4). If God is with you, who can be against you? (Romans 8: 31 – 32).
However, it should be noted that this divine assurance was given within the context of a divine mandate. Just before giving us this assurance, the Lord gave us an assignment, which is:
Matthew 28:19-20a Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you…
Thus, this assurance of divine presence that is appropriated by all is particularly applicable to those who do mission work. The Lord promised to make His presence manifest in the lives and situations of those who GO to do the Gospel work. It is as we go into the world to do the work of God that we shall experience the presence and fellowship of the Triune God.
Therefore, let us walk this year with a sense of mission. If we cultivate a sense of mission, we shall enjoy the benefits of divine presence. Let us separate ourselves emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually from the encumbrances of life that hinder us from obeying the Lord. Let us separate ourselves from distractions, and focus on the Lord (Luke 10: 41 – 42). Yes, the economy is a great source of distraction, but let us be resolute in our determination to put God’s kingdom first. We have been well instructed by the Word of God, which says:
Matthew 6: 31 – 33 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
If you put God first this year, you shall not lack.
*to be continued
and then