Get ready to start a journey…a journey through the pages of the Bible and the pages of your life.
The ending starts at the beginning. At birth, the body, always vulnerable to a disease or tragic demise, begins the process of aging, which culminates in a worn-out, weakened fight for the last breath. Death is the feared and final enemy (1 Corinthians 15:26).
In his song “Identity,” Lecrae raps, “I’m not the shoes I wear. I’m not the clothes I buy. I’m not the house I live in. I’m not the cars I drive, no. I’m not the job I work. You can’t define my worth by nothing on God’s green earth. My identity is found in Christ, is found in Christ.” You may or may not appreciate Christian rap, but you can’t deny the biblical truth found in this song.
Certainly an “excessive and unhealthy interest” in the demonic realm is dangerous, but, as Lewis reminds us, so is disbelieving or ignoring their existence. Satan is real. He prowls around like a roaring lion. He desires that we fail. Satan also desires that we are afraid of failing.
Jesus’ special invitation is for all who are carrying heavy loads. The weight wears a person down mentally, physically, and spiritually. There is only one remedy for body and soul exhaustion—rest. And that’s exactly what Jesus promises.
Everything changes. Money comes and goes. Investments are up and down. Spring becomes summer becomes fall becomes winter. Kids mature. Adults age. There are changes in jobs, homes, cities, and lifestyles. Everything changes.
Whatever you are going through today, God is on your side. We are always held by the embrace of his presence, strength, and love. Today’s verse, tucked away in the Old Testament, is a great reminder of who God is and how he works in our lives. Let’s consider the truths of this passage one at a time.
Strength is not found in material possessions or our abilities. In fact, there are times when those things are stripped away. Inadequacy may be the reality, but fear doesn’t have to be the result.
The Lord is good. God always has our best interests at heart. He never wastes our time. He is working in you today to prepare you for tomorrow. His assignments are not always easy. In fact, sometimes they are very hard, but he never leaves nor forsakes us. He has great plans for our future.
Like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, Daniel was in the group taken captive to Babylon. When a decree went out that for thirty days everyone was required to pray only to King Darius, Daniel ignored the command. He went home and prayed to God before open windows. He would not deny his Lord.
The Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar, overthrew Judah and took the best and brightest back to Babylon. Among the young men he took as prisoners were Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. When the captives were ordered to bow down and worship an image of gold, these three Israelites refused and were sentenced to die in a blazing furnace; but they lived without fear.
God is all-powerful. He is able to do anything and everything consistent with his will. Nothing is too hard for him. God specializes in the impossible.
Whatever your circumstance, I can promise you this: God has not forgotten you and he will not forsake you. Even if it seems like you’re alone, you are not. Even when it seems like God has removed his blessings from you, he has not.