COMFORT IN YOUR AFFLICTIONSSpeaker: Sis. Stella Dhinakaran Gist: God is our help and deliverer in times of trouble. "You are my help and my deliverer." (Psalm 70:5)
Joseph in his life was afflicted by his very own brothers. He had to go through a path of suffering. Amidst all these afflictions, God was with him to deliver and prosper him (Genesis 39:2,23). He was exalted above all his brothers.
Shadrach, Meshach and Abed Nego were commanded by King Nebuchadnezzar to worship the golden image and threatened that whoever failed to worship would be thrown into the burning fiery furnace. The three Hebrew young men Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego refused to worship the image and followed God with zeal. The officials of Babylon and officers complained them to Nebuchadnezzar. The three men who were brought before the king, boldly answered him, "We have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our God whom we serve, is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us from your hand, !"
So saying, they were holding fast to God. The Lord who saw their faith, was their help amidst that fire and miraculously delivered them (Daniel 3:16,17).
We can see the same thing in the life of Daniel also. God sent His angels that the lions would not harm him and shut the lions’ mouths, delivered Daniel and raised him (Daniel 6:22).
Lord Jesus also, just before the crucifixion, was praying until the sweat became great drops of blood and then, God sent an angel and strengthened Him (Luke 22: 42-44).
There was a couple who loved God very much. Both had no parents. When the wife was nearing the time of delivery the husband had to go to another town regarding his work. He was so worried that there would be no one to help her in his absence. But the wife, a woman of faith said,"God is with me and He will surely send me help".
Few days later, she started having labour pains. She prayed to God, "Lord, I have no one to help me. But I believe that you are with me and will help me deliver the baby. An old lady who saw her suffering with pain came to her aid and helped her deliver a beautiful baby. She stayed with her till the woman got well. But then the old lady was found missing. She realised that she was an angel sent by God to help her during delivery of the child. She knelt down and with tears rolling down her cheeks gratefully said, “O Lord, I have heard angels coming and helping people. Truly, now I too have experienced that blessing in my life. You have sent an angel in the form of an old woman and helped me."
Dear friend, you may be living today with tears that there is no one in this world to show love to you and you are all alone in this world. God will help you in your lonliness and in your afflictions. Do not lose heart.
Prayer:
Loving Heavenly Father,
Thank You for your great concern for me Lord. Fill me with Your sweet presence. Lord, you will never fail people who are zealous for you. You will never put them to shame. I praise and thank you for all the help that I received from you. Lord, lifter of my head, bless me as you blessed Joseph and Daniel and make me a blessing to others. In mighty name of Jesus I pray.
Amen. |