FOR THIS I HAVE JESUS

FOR THIS I HAVE JESUS

READ:  Isaiah 49:13-20

The LORD comforts his people
and will have compassion on his
afflicted ones.  Isaiah 49:13

There is rarely a problem-free season in our lives, but sometimes the onslaught is terrifying.

Rose saw her entire family, except for her two little daughters, slaughtered in the Rwandan Genocide of 1994.  Now she is a widow among many widows with little money.  But she refuse to be defeated.  She has adopted two orphans and simply trusts God to provide for the food and school fees for her family of five.  She translates Christian literature into the local language and organizes an annual conference for other widows.  Rose wept as she told me her story.  But for every problem in her life she has one simple remedy.  “For this,” she said, “I have Jesus.”

God knows exactly what you are facing today.  Isaiah reminds us that God’s knowledge of us is so intimate that it is as if our names were written on the palms of His hands (Isaiah 49:16).  We may sometimes neglect the needs of others, even those who are closest to us, but God is aware of every detail of our lives.  And He has given us His Spirit to guide, to comfort, and to strengthen us.

Think of the challenges you face at this moment, and then write these words beside each one as a reminder of His faithfulness and care:  “For this, I have Jesus.”                                                  MARION STROUD

                Thank You, Jesus, for being near to me right now.  
                        I’m grateful for Your faithfulness.
Life takes on perspective in the light of Christ.

INSIGHT
The book of Isaiah is a book of extremes.  In chapter 1-2 Isaiah describes how far away from God the people of Israel have wandered.  In chapter 3 he warns of the punishment and judgment that is coming because of their sin and disobedience.  Later he discusses God’s provision to bring them back to Himself (CH. 4) and how much they will flourish despite the current and coming disasters (CH. 49).  In God’s eyes there is always hope for redemption, restoration, and blessing.                       J.R. HUDBERG

Have a blessed night.
God Our Creator’s Love Always.
Unity & Peace