God Our Helper: Our last devotional touched on the topic of God being our helper, through his presence in times of trouble.
In addition to the great shows of God’s presence and help previously addressed, let’s be encouraged by God’s blessed assurance.
I Will Be With You
- Jacob’s Dream at Bethel (Genesis 28:15)
In a dream, God assured Jacob that He would be with him wherever he went and would bring him back to the land He promised.
It may seem that whatever trouble you are facing will break you. Hold on; God’s help is closer than you think.
This promise reassured Jacob of God’s ongoing presence and guidance.
Be assured that God sees, hears, and feels as we do and that there will surely be a turnaround.
- Jesus’ Great Commission (Matthew 28:20)
Before ascending to heaven, Jesus promised His disciples, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
As believers, we are tasked to make disciples of all nations. This task generates trouble in terms of persecution and fierce opposition.
This assurance of Jesus’ perpetual presence empowered the disciples to carry out their mission and should inspire us to keep going in the Great Commission.
Catch Up On Part One Below!
They Will Not Overflow You
- Noah and the Flood (Genesis 7:18-23)
The waters rose and covered the earth during the great flood, but Noah and his family were safe in the ark.
Even amid punishment all around, we are assured of God’s preservation.
God preserved them through the floodwaters, symbolising His protection and faithfulness.
- Peter Walking on Water (Matthew 14:28-31)
When Peter walked on water toward Jesus, he began to sink when he focused on the storm.
Let us remove our focus from the trouble and focus only on Jesus.
Jesus immediately reached out and caught him, preventing him from being overwhelmed by the waters.
You Will Not Be Scorched
- Moses’ Encounter with God on Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:18-19)
When God descended on Mount Sinai in fire, the mountain was covered with smoke, but Moses was not harmed as he approached and spoke with God. The trouble could be a refining fire, purifying you and consuming all chaff around you. This event demonstrated God’s protective presence amidst the consuming fire.
- Elijah’s Sacrifice Consumed by Fire (1 Kings 18:38)
On Mount Carmel, Elijah prayed for God to reveal Himself. Our sacrifice to God brings a reviving fire that burns within. The fire from God burns out all seemingly good and acceptable for the perfect will of God to be revealed in us (Romans 12:1-3).
Fire from heaven consumed the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, and even the water in the trench, but Elijah was unharmed, signifying God’s power and protection.
Nor Will the Flame Burn You
- The Burning Fiery Furnace (Daniel 3:25-27)
In addition to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego walking through the fire without being burned, the presence of a fourth figure, “like the Son of God,” highlighted God’s direct intervention and protection. He is always there to help.
- Isaiah’s Vision of God’s Holiness (Isaiah 6:6-7)
In Isaiah’s vision, seraphim touched his lips with a live coal from the altar, purifying him without burning him. The trouble could be a reality check that it is God who sanctifies. This act symbolized God’s purifying presence that sanctifies without harm.
Action Step
Call upon the name of the Lord:
“Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me.”
— Psalms 50:15 (NASB1995)
A lesson from Asa:
“Then Asa called to the Lord his God and said, ‘Lord, there is no one besides You to help in the battle between the powerful and those who have no strength; so help us, O Lord our God, for we trust in You, and in Your name have come against this multitude. O Lord, You are our God; let not man prevail against You.’”
— 2 Chronicles 14:11 (NASB1995)
Devotional Prayer Point
“I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From where shall my help come? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.”
— Psalms 121:1-2 (NASB1995)
God Our Helper - 2: God’s Blessed Assurance
