2008-06-12 13:01:00
"Sojourn in this land and I will be with you and bless you" (Genesis 26:3).
Our daughter, Ester, has an opportunity to attend Malaga Camp in Newfield, New Jersey next week. We've been talking it up for weeks, but she is reluctant about leaving home to stay in an unfamiliar setting. Though she's 19, due to her unstable medical history in addition to her special needs, most camp settings were not suitable for her during her young years.
When we learned about HandiCamp, along with its spiritual emphasis in a setting conducive to Ester's level of learning, we were excited to get her signed up. Shortly afterward two young ladies who work with the camp paid a visit to Ester in our home. They brought photo albums with pictures of previous campers and talked to her about the many activities offered at HandiCamp. Brooksyne and I were so pleased that representatives of this Christian camping ministry would pay a personal visit to reassure new campers that they'll enjoy this new experience away from their familiar settings. It was their way of saying, "God will be with you in this new adventure."
It's reassuring to hear others say to us in the midst of a challenge or in the midst of any new experience, "God will be with you." And it is even more reassuring to hear the voice of the Lord speak to our hearts with His comforting promise, "I will be with You."
Isaac was the very first person recorded in the Bible that heard these words from God, "I will be with you." They came at a critical time when Isaac was contemplating a visit to Egypt where there was food available. There was a severe famine in Canaan and the Lord appeared to Isaac and directed him, "Stay in this land for a while, and I will be with you and will bless you." He also reminded Isaac of His earlier promise to Abraham that He would make his descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky.
Throughout life we find great assurance in the promise of God's steadfast, abiding presence and this is especially appreciated during life's inevitable transitions. Some of you undoubtedly are going through such a transition today. It may be a graduation, a career move or new residency, an illness or even the death of a loved one. For some it's a new baby, for others it's the "empty nest. And yet others are feeling that God wants you to stay put right where you are and trust Him to help you endure the struggles you presently face.
Throughout the Old Testament God also gave these words of assurance to Jacob, Moses, Joshua, Gideon and Solomon. However one Old Testament reference that I especially find reassuring is not a promise to an individual, but to all of God's people (Isaiah 43:2). "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you."
Jesus promised His disciples before His physical ascension to heaven: "I am with you always even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). The writer of Hebrews has a promise that I memorized early as a believer. He quotes a compilation of several Old Testament verses as He encourages the early believers who were enduring much affliction. "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" (Hebrews 13:5,6).
Whatever challenge you face today, remember that He goes before you and prepares the way. Be confident as you stand on His promise: "I will be with you."
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily Prayer: Father, we're so thankful that we don't have to step out on our own and rely on our connections, wisdom, giftings, or experience. Whatever challenge we face can be met by remembering Your promise, "I will be with you." Just as David, youthful and wearing no protective armor, confidently faced the giant with a sling You reassured him, "I will be with you." Whatever enemy we face, if we are suited in Your spiritual armor, we can be confident of Your promise to us as well: "I will be with You." What blessing and comfort these words bring to our hearts this day. Amen.
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