There has always been a belief by some people, based on certain passages in the Bible and their understanding of those passages, that God has power only in heaven because He Himself gave power over the earth to the children of men. Let us go to the beginning. In Genesis 1:26-30:
And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.
And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so.
God indeed gave dominion over all He had created to man. It is based on this that some believe God has no control or power over the earth. (Notice that God did not give dominion to man over fellow man.) It was this control that the devil, through the serpent, deceived man into surrendering, and the control was wrestled from man. That was why Satan was bold enough to tell Jesus that if He would bow down and worship him, he would give Jesus all. Matthew 4:8-9.
Thanks be to God, Jesus eventually defeated the devil and wrestled the control of the earth back for man. One of the reasons why He had to come as man. Even though there was really no time when man had absolute control of the earth, yet Jesus established the fact that the power given by man to the devil had been taken back by another of the human race. It was given to him by the first Adam, but the last Adam took it back.
We need to know that there is no way the spirit world can operate on earth without the consent or cooperation of man, the original power holder over the earth. So you can see the devil fighting ceaselessly to get at least one man on earth through whom his plan and purpose to kill, steal, and destroy can be achieved.
But in spite of all his efforts, God is still the One with absolute power over heaven and earth. He established the laws and decrees that govern the earth. You have heard that all thrones and dominions are established by Him, and He has the power to remove one and put another in place. No matter how powerful a man is, God can pull him down and raise another in his place. He is the giver of the breath of life in man’s nostrils, and He alone can withdraw it at any time He pleases.
Though men in power will want you to believe that they can do and undo, and sometimes it feels as if they are prospering, a day will come when their atrocities are full, and the Almighty will arise and deal with them. For reference, ask Nebuchadnezzar, Pharaoh, and others like them. God used Nebuchadnezzar mightily and gave him so much power, but as soon as he got to a level where he believed his achievements were by his own power, the Owner of the power humbled him. For seven years he became like an animal, eating grass and living in the wild.
There were many other people whom God used mightily in biblical times, and I am sure many are still being used right now. However, the day they begin to believe they have all the power or that they can do and undo, that is when their downfall begins.
We must understand our place as human beings and the purpose of our creation. Study the Bible and you will hear of Pharaoh, Cyrus the Great (whose birth was prophesied about 150 years before he was born), called God’s anointed, and others like him. You must settle this one fact: all thrones, dominions, and powers are established by God, and He alone has absolute power and control over all.
The people we see as mighty today, when their time ends, the Almighty will put others in their place. No human being lasts forever. No matter how long you spend on earth, ask Methuselah, who lived for over nine hundred years, he eventually died.
So what are we driving at here? The One who is in absolute control, who put them there and can remove them at any time, gave you, and is still giving you, the way of escape. You have the Spiritual Intelligence (SI) needed to live successfully here on earth, how to escape evil, and how to be victorious, yet you still refuse to make use of all these resources.
You cannot continue to disregard His commands and nudges and then complain when evil prospers in your life. The extent to which you obey Him is the extent to which you will be delivered from the calamity that overruns the world.
Today, you can decide to obey His commands or continue to wallow in problems. You can decide to draw closer to Him because He alone has all the intelligence you need to be at the top of your career, ministry, or vision, or you can continue to complain and join others in blaming God for all the calamities in the world.
You can continue to live like an orphan without hope when you have access to the most Powerful and Influential Creator. A lot of us believe that if we were related to any of the names on the Forbes list of the richest men on earth, our lives would be far better. My friend, you are mistaken. The fact that you are related to them does not mean they can help you, except the Mighty One directs them to do so.
The One whose favor you need to seek is the Almighty God, whose word stands forever. David confirmed this in Psalms 37:35-37:
I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.
Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.
Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.
Psalms 62:11- God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.
You Will Succeed.
GOD IS NEVER WEARY
The book of Isaiah chapter 40 says a lot about God’s power and manifestations. I have often heard people say that if indeed there is a God who is as powerful as Christians claim, why then is evil everywhere? Why are innocent children killed? Why are there so many illnesses and diseases? Why do bad people prosper while the so-called righteous keep getting poorer and poorer? Why are there disasters all over the world?
If there is a God, why can’t He destroy the wicked so that wickedness will end? What kind of God will see a two-year-old child, or even younger, raped to death by an adult and not instantly strike such a person dead? What type of powerful God will watch leaders of nations live lavishly on resources meant for the whole nation while malnutrition and diseases kill the younger population? What God will see so-called pastors and religious leaders desecrate the altar, rape young girls and boys, sleep with married women, and not strike them down instantly as we read about Ananias and Sapphira in the Bible?
So many questions begging for answers, and because the answers are not forthcoming, many people have concluded that there is no God, or that He is powerless and unable to control the universe and the people He created. Some have even concluded that there is nothing like a Creator at all, that everything just came into existence on its own.
This morning, I can clearly tell you without mincing words that I do not have answers to all the numerous questions you are asking. I am not going to deny the realities you have outlined. But one thing I will tell you loud and clear is what I know about my own GOD, the ALMIGHTY, the Creator of heaven and earth and all that is therein.
You see, we know there is a God who is in control of all things. The extent to which you allow Him into your life is the extent to which you will experience His power and awesomeness. I have experienced God so much that no one can convince me that He is not the Almighty or that He is not in control. Isaiah 9:6. This my God can do all things, and whatsoever He does shall be forever (Ecclesiastes 3:14). When God works, it is perfect; there is nothing you can add to it or take away from it.
Sometimes our problem is the way we see things. The way God sees things is far, far different from the way we see them, and therefore the way we expect Him to respond is different from the way He actually responds. In such situations, people conclude that God is not powerful. But because He sees all things and knows all things, the way He moves will definitely differ from the reaction of a man who cannot see beyond his nose and does not know what lies ahead.
Because God is the Almighty, He never faints. He is not lacking in strength. He is not weak. He is not inclined to fail. He is never lacking in courage, spirit, or energy. There are countless adjectives to qualify God, yet none can fully describe Him. You cannot search out His power. Intelligence agencies tell you to study your enemy, both strengths and weaknesses, so you know where to attack. But if you try searching for God’s weakness, you will die searching because it does not exist. There is no record of it, and you cannot find it out.
God is always at hand and afar off (Jeremiah 23:23). You cannot confine Him to one place. He is omnipresent, everywhere at the same time. Always available, always ready, always willing. If you sincerely call upon Him, He will answer you. But if your plan is only to use Him to satisfy your selfish desires, He will not answer you. That is why many continue doubting His existence and power.
He is the true God, the living God, and there is none that can be compared unto Him (Jeremiah 10:10). However, He is not a God of groups. He does not have grandchildren. He is a God who relates on an individual basis. There is a limit to how far your parents’ relationship with God can carry you. Your relationship with Him must be personal.
The fact that He said in Psalms 91:7–8: “A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee…” does not automatically apply to you because you attend church or sing in the choir. What relationship do you truly have with Him? Is your whole life under His control, or only part of it? What is your first point of call when challenges arise or when you need to make decisions? At what level have you placed His Word in your life? Do you only call upon Him when all else has failed?
If you place me, an ordinary human being without any special power, behind others and expect me to always be at your beck and call, you will waste your time because I will not respond to you, even if I had the power to help. God will not share His glory with anyone. He would rather stay out if He sees that you still have other gods or alternatives you trust in. You cannot mix God with anything else and expect Him to answer you. You cannot serve God and mammon.
If you will completely trust in Him and hold on to Him, He is ready to be with you always (Matthew 1:23). There is absolutely nothing impossible with God (Matthew 19:26).
You need to understand that He sees all things and can reveal secrets to you. He can direct you to take a route that seems farther away from your destination because He sees the obstacles and traps hidden in the path that appears right to you (Daniel 2:28).
So before you join others in condemning God or saying there is no God or that He is not love, why not give Him a chance? Why not approach Him today and give Him your whole heart, then observe whether He will not manifest His power in your life? You have no right to condemn Him when you have not truly tried Him. You have no moral justification to criticize or denounce God when you have not allowed Him the opportunity to reveal Himself to you.
It is well.
If there is a God, why can’t He destroy the wicked so that wickedness will end? What kind of God will see a two-year-old child, or even younger, raped to death by an adult and not instantly strike such a person dead? What type of powerful God will watch leaders of nations live lavishly on resources meant for the whole nation while malnutrition and diseases kill the younger population? What God will see so-called pastors and religious leaders desecrate the altar, rape young girls and boys, sleep with married women, and not strike them down instantly as we read about Ananias and Sapphira in the Bible?
So many questions begging for answers, and because the answers are not forthcoming, many people have concluded that there is no God, or that He is powerless and unable to control the universe and the people He created. Some have even concluded that there is nothing like a Creator at all, that everything just came into existence on its own.
This morning, I can clearly tell you without mincing words that I do not have answers to all the numerous questions you are asking. I am not going to deny the realities you have outlined. But one thing I will tell you loud and clear is what I know about my own GOD, the ALMIGHTY, the Creator of heaven and earth and all that is therein.
You see, we know there is a God who is in control of all things. The extent to which you allow Him into your life is the extent to which you will experience His power and awesomeness. I have experienced God so much that no one can convince me that He is not the Almighty or that He is not in control. Isaiah 9:6. This my God can do all things, and whatsoever He does shall be forever (Ecclesiastes 3:14). When God works, it is perfect; there is nothing you can add to it or take away from it.
Sometimes our problem is the way we see things. The way God sees things is far, far different from the way we see them, and therefore the way we expect Him to respond is different from the way He actually responds. In such situations, people conclude that God is not powerful. But because He sees all things and knows all things, the way He moves will definitely differ from the reaction of a man who cannot see beyond his nose and does not know what lies ahead.
Because God is the Almighty, He never faints. He is not lacking in strength. He is not weak. He is not inclined to fail. He is never lacking in courage, spirit, or energy. There are countless adjectives to qualify God, yet none can fully describe Him. You cannot search out His power. Intelligence agencies tell you to study your enemy, both strengths and weaknesses, so you know where to attack. But if you try searching for God’s weakness, you will die searching because it does not exist. There is no record of it, and you cannot find it out.
God is always at hand and afar off (Jeremiah 23:23). You cannot confine Him to one place. He is omnipresent, everywhere at the same time. Always available, always ready, always willing. If you sincerely call upon Him, He will answer you. But if your plan is only to use Him to satisfy your selfish desires, He will not answer you. That is why many continue doubting His existence and power.
He is the true God, the living God, and there is none that can be compared unto Him (Jeremiah 10:10). However, He is not a God of groups. He does not have grandchildren. He is a God who relates on an individual basis. There is a limit to how far your parents’ relationship with God can carry you. Your relationship with Him must be personal.
The fact that He said in Psalms 91:7–8: “A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee…” does not automatically apply to you because you attend church or sing in the choir. What relationship do you truly have with Him? Is your whole life under His control, or only part of it? What is your first point of call when challenges arise or when you need to make decisions? At what level have you placed His Word in your life? Do you only call upon Him when all else has failed?
If you place me, an ordinary human being without any special power, behind others and expect me to always be at your beck and call, you will waste your time because I will not respond to you, even if I had the power to help. God will not share His glory with anyone. He would rather stay out if He sees that you still have other gods or alternatives you trust in. You cannot mix God with anything else and expect Him to answer you. You cannot serve God and mammon.
If you will completely trust in Him and hold on to Him, He is ready to be with you always (Matthew 1:23). There is absolutely nothing impossible with God (Matthew 19:26).
You need to understand that He sees all things and can reveal secrets to you. He can direct you to take a route that seems farther away from your destination because He sees the obstacles and traps hidden in the path that appears right to you (Daniel 2:28).
So before you join others in condemning God or saying there is no God or that He is not love, why not give Him a chance? Why not approach Him today and give Him your whole heart, then observe whether He will not manifest His power in your life? You have no right to condemn Him when you have not truly tried Him. You have no moral justification to criticize or denounce God when you have not allowed Him the opportunity to reveal Himself to you.
It is well.
GOD, THE HELPER
God helps man in diverse ways. He is the Almighty, and we will be missing out if we box God into one single mold. God can send help through men, through angels, and He can also help man by Himself. Sometimes, when you look at God’s move, you know that this can only be the finger or hand of the Almighty Himself.
2 Chronicles 20:1–30 is a long read, but I want us to go through it with understanding:
“It came to pass after this also, that the children of Moab, and the children of Ammon, and with them others beside the Ammonites, came against Jehoshaphat to battle…”
The whole passage tells us how a great multitude came against Judah, and Jehoshaphat feared. But instead of panicking, he set himself to seek the Lord and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. They gathered together to ask help from the Lord. Jehoshaphat acknowledged before God that they had no might against the great company that had come against them, neither did they know what to do, but their eyes were upon Him.
Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel, who declared: “Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s.”
God instructed them to go out against the enemy, but they would not need to fight. They were only to stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.
What army going to war will send forth a worship band before the men of war? What strategy could make armies from different nations gathered together against one country turn against themselves and begin to destroy one another until all of them were completely wiped out? And how is it possible that without one arrow being shot or one bullet being fired, great spoils were taken? That is God for you.
In different passages of the Bible, we hear that the people who have God’s help are happy. And whenever this is mentioned, what follows is usually a display of His power (Deuteronomy 33:29). God will not cast away the righteous, neither will He help the evildoer. So if evil seems to prosper against good, then something is definitely wrong. It is certainly not because God lacks power or ability.
God will always hear the righteous in the day of trouble (Psalm 20:1–4). He will help and strengthen them in times of trouble. He shall deliver them from the wicked (Psalms 37:39–40; Psalms 46:1–5). When you trust in God’s help, you will not be moved. He will keep you in every circumstance.
So with all the power and might of the Almighty God behind us, why then do we still fail? Why is it that the enemy continually rejoices over us? Why does the rod of the wicked seem to rest upon the lot of the righteous? There are many reasons for this:
* Lack of knowledge.
Knowledge brings illumination. No matter how powerful you are, if you are devoid of knowledge, the enemy will continue to toss you to and fro. Are you aware that there is absolutely nothing God cannot do? Do you know that God rewards those who diligently seek Him? Are you aware that sin and unrighteousness are a reproach, and the devil will continue to accuse you before God? You cannot expect a Holy God to avenge you when your hands are soiled. He that comes to equity must come with clean hands. Are you aware that he who is not merciful will not receive mercy? Are you aware that God does not reward mediocrity? God expects you to rise above reproach so that when He blesses you, the accuser will have nothing to accuse you of.
* Putting God in a box.
A lot of us have the idea that God must work in a particular way. He can give you ideas, wisdom, and open your eyes to opportunities where others see only difficulties and challenges. He does not always work in one pattern. You miss out on a lot when you insist that this is the only way He should do things. Some of us pray believing that God will use that rich uncle to give us a large sum of money for the business we want to start, whereas God wants to give you an idea that will take you beyond your nation and establish you globally.
* Mismanagement.
God is a shrewd businessman and does not condone mismanagement. How are you handling what He has deposited into your hands? You desire to move higher and want Him to help you, but how faithful are you with what you have now? How faithful are you in another man’s business entrusted into your care? The Bible says in Luke 16:10–12:
“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much…”
If you have not been faithful with little, why should greater things be committed into your hands?
* Lack of sensitivity.
Most times, the children of God are not sensitive to God’s moves. Sometimes you see the burning bush that is not consumed. Sometimes God sends thunderings and lightnings, but these are only to get your attention. If care is not taken, you may misinterpret these things, and when the still small voice comes, you fail to hear the necessary direction. Sometimes you are so frightened by the thunderings and lightnings that you run away like the children of Israel at the mount. Yet many times, the solution you need is wrapped up in what you see as challenges or problems. The burning bush, the thunder, the lightning, and the shaking are only to attract your attention. Wait. Where are you running to? Be patient. Habakkuk 2:1–3 says:
“I will stand upon my watch… and will watch to see what he will say unto me…”
Not only will you receive the answer, but you will also receive the strategy for success and the correct timing.
* Idolatry.
Sometimes we do not receive help from God because of idol worship. You may say you are not an idol worshipper because you do not bow to wood or stone, yet the shrine of pride is still embedded in your heart. Self struggles to dominate you and erects altars wherever it finds space. Children, especially favourite ones, can become idols in the lives of believers. In trying to avoid the excessive strictness of previous generations, many have moved to another extreme, spoiling their children beyond measure under the guise of “gentle parenting.” If care is not taken, such children may become a curse as Absalom was to David. God will not share His glory with any man or thing. Many worship money, beauty, influence, and countless other things. Yet God is near to those who sincerely call upon Him.
It is possible for you to trust in others rather than in your Maker. You may trust in your rich uncle, your father’s wealth and influence, your education, or your connections. But know this: those things would not even exist without God’s help. The arm of flesh shall surely fail you (2 Chronicles 32:8). Human help is vain (Psalm 60:11; Psalms 107:11–12). When you put your trust in man, failure is inevitable. Isaiah 31:1–3 says:
“Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help… but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!”
God is always available when you call upon Him sincerely, but you must allow Him to have His way.
Shalom.
2 Chronicles 20:1–30 is a long read, but I want us to go through it with understanding:
“It came to pass after this also, that the children of Moab, and the children of Ammon, and with them others beside the Ammonites, came against Jehoshaphat to battle…”
The whole passage tells us how a great multitude came against Judah, and Jehoshaphat feared. But instead of panicking, he set himself to seek the Lord and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. They gathered together to ask help from the Lord. Jehoshaphat acknowledged before God that they had no might against the great company that had come against them, neither did they know what to do, but their eyes were upon Him.
Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel, who declared: “Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s.”
God instructed them to go out against the enemy, but they would not need to fight. They were only to stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.
What army going to war will send forth a worship band before the men of war? What strategy could make armies from different nations gathered together against one country turn against themselves and begin to destroy one another until all of them were completely wiped out? And how is it possible that without one arrow being shot or one bullet being fired, great spoils were taken? That is God for you.
In different passages of the Bible, we hear that the people who have God’s help are happy. And whenever this is mentioned, what follows is usually a display of His power (Deuteronomy 33:29). God will not cast away the righteous, neither will He help the evildoer. So if evil seems to prosper against good, then something is definitely wrong. It is certainly not because God lacks power or ability.
God will always hear the righteous in the day of trouble (Psalm 20:1–4). He will help and strengthen them in times of trouble. He shall deliver them from the wicked (Psalms 37:39–40; Psalms 46:1–5). When you trust in God’s help, you will not be moved. He will keep you in every circumstance.
So with all the power and might of the Almighty God behind us, why then do we still fail? Why is it that the enemy continually rejoices over us? Why does the rod of the wicked seem to rest upon the lot of the righteous? There are many reasons for this:
* Lack of knowledge.
Knowledge brings illumination. No matter how powerful you are, if you are devoid of knowledge, the enemy will continue to toss you to and fro. Are you aware that there is absolutely nothing God cannot do? Do you know that God rewards those who diligently seek Him? Are you aware that sin and unrighteousness are a reproach, and the devil will continue to accuse you before God? You cannot expect a Holy God to avenge you when your hands are soiled. He that comes to equity must come with clean hands. Are you aware that he who is not merciful will not receive mercy? Are you aware that God does not reward mediocrity? God expects you to rise above reproach so that when He blesses you, the accuser will have nothing to accuse you of.
* Putting God in a box.
A lot of us have the idea that God must work in a particular way. He can give you ideas, wisdom, and open your eyes to opportunities where others see only difficulties and challenges. He does not always work in one pattern. You miss out on a lot when you insist that this is the only way He should do things. Some of us pray believing that God will use that rich uncle to give us a large sum of money for the business we want to start, whereas God wants to give you an idea that will take you beyond your nation and establish you globally.
* Mismanagement.
God is a shrewd businessman and does not condone mismanagement. How are you handling what He has deposited into your hands? You desire to move higher and want Him to help you, but how faithful are you with what you have now? How faithful are you in another man’s business entrusted into your care? The Bible says in Luke 16:10–12:
“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much…”
If you have not been faithful with little, why should greater things be committed into your hands?
* Lack of sensitivity.
Most times, the children of God are not sensitive to God’s moves. Sometimes you see the burning bush that is not consumed. Sometimes God sends thunderings and lightnings, but these are only to get your attention. If care is not taken, you may misinterpret these things, and when the still small voice comes, you fail to hear the necessary direction. Sometimes you are so frightened by the thunderings and lightnings that you run away like the children of Israel at the mount. Yet many times, the solution you need is wrapped up in what you see as challenges or problems. The burning bush, the thunder, the lightning, and the shaking are only to attract your attention. Wait. Where are you running to? Be patient. Habakkuk 2:1–3 says:
“I will stand upon my watch… and will watch to see what he will say unto me…”
Not only will you receive the answer, but you will also receive the strategy for success and the correct timing.
* Idolatry.
Sometimes we do not receive help from God because of idol worship. You may say you are not an idol worshipper because you do not bow to wood or stone, yet the shrine of pride is still embedded in your heart. Self struggles to dominate you and erects altars wherever it finds space. Children, especially favourite ones, can become idols in the lives of believers. In trying to avoid the excessive strictness of previous generations, many have moved to another extreme, spoiling their children beyond measure under the guise of “gentle parenting.” If care is not taken, such children may become a curse as Absalom was to David. God will not share His glory with any man or thing. Many worship money, beauty, influence, and countless other things. Yet God is near to those who sincerely call upon Him.
It is possible for you to trust in others rather than in your Maker. You may trust in your rich uncle, your father’s wealth and influence, your education, or your connections. But know this: those things would not even exist without God’s help. The arm of flesh shall surely fail you (2 Chronicles 32:8). Human help is vain (Psalm 60:11; Psalms 107:11–12). When you put your trust in man, failure is inevitable. Isaiah 31:1–3 says:
“Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help… but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!”
God is always available when you call upon Him sincerely, but you must allow Him to have His way.
Shalom.
GOD IS A REFUGE, SHIELD, COVERT AND SAVIOR
In the book of Psalms, chapter 46, verses 1–2: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.” Also in Psalms 91:2, and in many other passages in the Bible, this truth is confirmed. It is as though God is so particular that we should know and understand that He is a refuge, a stronghold, a shield, and a covert to His children.
A refuge is a place, person, or thing that provides shelter, protection, safety from danger or distress, and comfort. God provides physical safety, emotional and mental relief, and every other intervention required by His children.
A shield is a protective device used as a barrier against weapons and hazards.
A covert is something hidden or secret, a disguise. It is a place not openly acknowledged, often used to describe actions, especially in military surveillance and operations.
A Savior, on the other hand, is one who rescues, protects, or delivers from danger, harm, or difficult situations.
Now, when you combine these attributes, it means that if you are in any trouble, He will provide shelter, protection, and safety from danger or distress. As your Shield, He will cover you from the fiery darts of the enemy. He will protect you from the arrows that fly by day, from the pestilence that walks in darkness, and from the destruction that wastes at noonday. And as a Covert, He will hide you in His secret pavilion. The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe.
Perhaps you are already deep in situations beyond your power, He is ready to save you, rescue you, and deliver you.
* He is strength to the needy in distress
* He is a refuge for the oppressed in the day of trouble
* He covers and protects from the heat, the storm, and the rain
Isaiah 25:4–5 sums it up beautifully: “For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall. Thou shalt bring down the noise of strangers, as the heat in a dry place; even the heat with the shadow of a cloud: the branch of the terrible ones shall be brought low.”
In 2 Samuel 22:1–8, David attested to this after the Lord delivered him out of the hand of ALL his enemies, mark that word, ALL. I can go on and on about God’s attributes as a Refuge, a Covert, a Shield, and a Savior. He has been all this and more in my own life. But I want you to know that all these attributes will mean nothing to you if you do not run to Him. As I said earlier, His name is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
No matter what you are going through, if you will just open your heart sincerely to Him, acknowledge that you have failed, that your efforts have amounted to nothing, and that you truly need His help, He will respond to your call. He is looking for those on whose behalf He will show Himself strong. He will not and cannot turn away from a broken heart and a contrite spirit (Psalms 34:18).
Isaiah 57:15 says: “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.”
Your journey to this blog today is not an accident. Have you handed over the reins of your life to Him? Have you confessed and accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?
Friends, there is no help elsewhere. All help from other sources apart from God always comes with a cost, it is never free. The devil will not tell you what you have to pay if you accept help from him, but be assured, you will pay dearly. You may even find yourself in your current situation because you sought help from him or his agents, trusting and obeying someone or something other than your Creator.
But my friend, all hope is not lost. The Refuge, Shield, Savior, and Covert is ready to help you if only you will reach out to Him now. Time is not on your side, do it now before it is too late. Open your heart and cry out to Him. He alone is your way out of this messy situation. He alone can deliver to the uttermost.
There is hope for you, my friend. He loves you so much. Grab the lifeline He is offering you with both hands right now.
A refuge is a place, person, or thing that provides shelter, protection, safety from danger or distress, and comfort. God provides physical safety, emotional and mental relief, and every other intervention required by His children.
A shield is a protective device used as a barrier against weapons and hazards.
A covert is something hidden or secret, a disguise. It is a place not openly acknowledged, often used to describe actions, especially in military surveillance and operations.
A Savior, on the other hand, is one who rescues, protects, or delivers from danger, harm, or difficult situations.
Now, when you combine these attributes, it means that if you are in any trouble, He will provide shelter, protection, and safety from danger or distress. As your Shield, He will cover you from the fiery darts of the enemy. He will protect you from the arrows that fly by day, from the pestilence that walks in darkness, and from the destruction that wastes at noonday. And as a Covert, He will hide you in His secret pavilion. The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe.
Perhaps you are already deep in situations beyond your power, He is ready to save you, rescue you, and deliver you.
* He is strength to the needy in distress
* He is a refuge for the oppressed in the day of trouble
* He covers and protects from the heat, the storm, and the rain
Isaiah 25:4–5 sums it up beautifully: “For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall. Thou shalt bring down the noise of strangers, as the heat in a dry place; even the heat with the shadow of a cloud: the branch of the terrible ones shall be brought low.”
In 2 Samuel 22:1–8, David attested to this after the Lord delivered him out of the hand of ALL his enemies, mark that word, ALL. I can go on and on about God’s attributes as a Refuge, a Covert, a Shield, and a Savior. He has been all this and more in my own life. But I want you to know that all these attributes will mean nothing to you if you do not run to Him. As I said earlier, His name is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
No matter what you are going through, if you will just open your heart sincerely to Him, acknowledge that you have failed, that your efforts have amounted to nothing, and that you truly need His help, He will respond to your call. He is looking for those on whose behalf He will show Himself strong. He will not and cannot turn away from a broken heart and a contrite spirit (Psalms 34:18).
Isaiah 57:15 says: “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.”
Your journey to this blog today is not an accident. Have you handed over the reins of your life to Him? Have you confessed and accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?
Friends, there is no help elsewhere. All help from other sources apart from God always comes with a cost, it is never free. The devil will not tell you what you have to pay if you accept help from him, but be assured, you will pay dearly. You may even find yourself in your current situation because you sought help from him or his agents, trusting and obeying someone or something other than your Creator.
But my friend, all hope is not lost. The Refuge, Shield, Savior, and Covert is ready to help you if only you will reach out to Him now. Time is not on your side, do it now before it is too late. Open your heart and cry out to Him. He alone is your way out of this messy situation. He alone can deliver to the uttermost.
There is hope for you, my friend. He loves you so much. Grab the lifeline He is offering you with both hands right now.