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But now, thus says the Lord , who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I gave Egypt for your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in your place. Since you were precious in My sight, You have been honored, And I have loved you; Therefore I will give men for you, And people for your life.

Isaiah 43:1-4 NKJV

In the church world today, because of lopsided presentation and over emphasis of some Bible truth like success, prosperity, favor, grace, abundance, victory, promotion, divine speed etc. which are sound biblical truth, there is the very strong tendency for anyone going through challenges to feel less loved by God, all alone, abandoned by God, or even feel that he/she is under a curse.

We all like Gideon have asked “If God is with us why are all these happening to us?” You hear people share their testimony in church and you wonder if you’re serving the same God. Their results are so fast, smooth, seamless and sophisticated, you wonder whether your God is analog and theirs digital.

Like Job you wonder “when will my own change come?” It looks like forever and you feel as if God is far from. You feel like a lesser believer and a second class Christian. Your confidence in your salvation begins to wane and your position in Christ becomes doubtful. You feel like an outer court Christian far from the throne of grace, you look up to people to pray for you, and even interpret the situations of your life to you.

In today’s church I doubt if Job could have survived, or if father Abraham and Sarah would have been given enough time to develop faith to birth the promise of God. Like Job’s friends we believe challenges don’t happen to Christians and we would definitely have recommended different sessions of deliverance to Abraham and Sarah. All kinds of curses would have been broken over their lives.

That’s all what religion has done. Now listen to what God has to say “I made you, I created you, you’re mine and I have redeemed you. You’re precious in my sight, you’re honored and I love you. WHEN you go through fire, water, danger, confusing situation, I WILL BE WITH YOU. Your pastor may not be, your friends may not be, but I will be with you.” I love Liverpool FC’s slogan – “you will never walk alone.”

Therefore, cheer up, be encouraged, and get your self-esteem back. Don’t lose hope, don’t despair. You are coming out with a testimony.

Recommended text for further reading:

James 5:10-11; Hebrews 13:5-6.


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