Daniel Fast- Called to Fight Until Victoryनमुना

Day 4: The Promise of His Presence

“As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Joshua 1:5b

Joshua bore witness to an extraordinary friendship and intimate fellowship between the Lord God and Moses. In this profound connection with God, Moses played an active role. When the leaders who had led the people through the wilderness departed, and an entire generation lay in the wilderness, Joshua and Caleb stood as the sole survivors with the new generation of Israel. It was a pivotal moment, and Joshua needed help more than ever. God extended His support and encouragement, solemnly declaring to Joshua that just as He had been with Moses, He would be with him.

Since the Garden of Eden, the Lord has yearned for fellowship with humankind. He crafted this world and placed within it living, breathing creatures capable of glorifying, representing, and acknowledging Him—beings who can reflect His character, power, presence, and dominion. Despite humanity's repeated backsliding and sinfulness, the Lord devised places where He could be with them. From Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden to the Tabernacle of Meeting under Moses and later Solomon's temple. God sought to dwell with Israel. He desires to be with humanity and fill His creation with His presence.

In the New Testament, the Lord has chosen the hearts of believers in Jesus Christ as His dwelling place. He wishes His character and power to fill not only our hearts but also our minds, families, homes, neighborhoods, places of ministry, and workplaces. While we often criticize Adam and Israel for neglecting their relationship with God, we have been given more. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit have selected our hearts as the place of presence.

In His presence, a life in Christ brings spiritual freedom and abundant blessings. This hidden life in God enables us to live not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit, offering a life without condemnation. In Christ, we are liberated from the law of sin and death, from bondage and fear. Although our bodies are dead to sin, our spirits are alive to righteousness. As God's children, we are led by His Spirit, confirming our status as heirs and co-heirs with Christ. In Christ, we possess everything needed to navigate suffering and challenging times, with glorification awaiting us. God's Spirit, present in our lives, strengthens us in our weaknesses. Even when we are uncertain how to pray, He intercedes for us. God has called us to be conformed to the image of His Son. God is for us! Who can stand against us? He provides everything we need in Christ. Who can accuse or condemn those who are IN CHRIST? Who can separate us from the love of God: tribulation, hardship, persecution, famine, danger, sword? All these things we do not overcome alone! We overcome all these by the power of Him, who loved us! Let us be sure that “neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8).

What does this mean for us today? It means we no longer need to fear past failures, present problems, or uncertainty about the future. We are secure in Christ! The entire Godhead – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – is for us. God the Father proved His favor by giving us His Son. God the Son is for us, having died, risen, and now interceding for us. God the Holy Spirit aids us in our weakness, offering help in our daily challenges and prayers.

The prevalent difficulties in our world amplify the need for divine guidance and clarity. God utilizes confusing times and life's storms to demonstrate how we can trust Him in His presence. We are not alone; God is with us! In times of confusion, God speaks with clarity to guide us. While we may not know the exact outcome, His presence grants us a divine peace that surpasses understanding. God doesn't call us to lead; He calls us to follow Him. Strengthened by the assurance of His unwavering love and care, our faith grows, bringing calmness to our troubled hearts. Our Heavenly Father is watching over us.

Joy, peace, and unwavering faith serve as powerful indicators of God's presence in our lives. His presence is all we need!

“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven on earth has been given to me…And sure I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Matthew 28:18, 20b

Reflection Questions:

1. Whose presence dominates your everyday life?

2. Exercise - Close your eyes and try to see where Jesus Christ is now. Where is God the Father? Are they close by? Where are you in relation to Him?

Take enough time to be in His presence and enjoy the fellowship!

3. In what ways does God manifest His presence in your life?

Prayer:

1. For the empowerment and guidance of the Holy Spirit in every facet of our lives.
2. For those in need of physical healing. Compile a list of individuals for whom you will offer your prayers.
3. Pray for the Caribbean Big Region - may they see multiplication of disciples and teams in the world of sport, play, and fitness.