A Supernaturally Natural Life Узорак

GOD STANDS BY YOU

I remember my dad, my wife and I being invited for meetings in a certain country out east. My dad was particularly excited because of all the planning that had taken place prior to the meeting, resulting in good responses. When we landed, the coordinator picked us up from the airport, took us to the hotel and told us that we just had enough time to freshen up and leave for the meeting. After freshening up, as we came down, the head Pastor who had organized the whole meetings for my dad, shook his hand, and then very casually told him that the meetings were cancelled due to our prevailing family issue.

No one could understand the turmoil that we, as a ministering family, were going through with the vicious attacks of the devil and the condemnation from people. My mum, dad, sister and myself were serving the Lord and the attack was subtle and vicious. What people did not understand was that God was at work and like most believers we misread Gods’ mysterious ways.

At this point, I thought to myself, ‘now wait a minute, did we fly for hours to get here, just to hear them tell us that they had cancelled our meetings for the next 4 days?’ Being the man of God that my dad is, he thanked the Pastor, went up to the room, got on his knees and cried and wept. I will never forget seeing my dad crying out to God and boldly declaring “even if people leave or fail me, You will never leave nor fail me Lord. My life is in your hands. Whatever happens I will live for you” For few hours we prayed and interceded together, and we felt the comforting and assuring presence of the Lord.

God, in His instant vindication answered us. Another Pastor, hearing of what had happened, immediately arranged for meetings for my dad. That evening, we had over 3000 people fill the auditorium and the Lord was present with signs and wonders following. The Pastor who had cancelled the meetings happened to show up. After the service, he fell at my father’s feet and asked for forgiveness for treating him in such a way. It was an evening to rejoice because all was forgiven. As I write this, I testify that today God has restored our family against all odds and to Him be the glory! It was truly the Lord who stood by our side and strengthened us with His very power to move forward.

In the above Scripture, the Apostle Paul was abandoned by those whom he had trusted the most. He never held anything against those who left but he boldly declared that “the Lord STOOD with him and STRENGTHENED” him.

The Word STOOD in the Greek translates as "to place beside” “to set at hand” “to provide” “to show” “to stand beside one” “to stand ready"

The Word STRENGTHENED in the Greek, translates as
“increase in strength” “endue with strength”

Beloved, when you go through turmoil and you feel that everyone has abandoned you, remember that when you turn your eyes and heart to the Lord, it is He who will “stand ready” to help you by your very side and “increase your strength” so that you will be able to carry on. All the strength that you need to accomplish in your God-given task is already available for you. Ask, and see the Lord give you the victory.

Application: Call to mind the moments when you felt let down by the ones closest to you. Now ask the Lord to fill you with His strength to help you forgive those who hurt you. Close your eyes and see the Lord coming by your side and filling you this very moment.

Quote: “When Moses says, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh?” God answers not by telling Moses who he is, but by telling him who God is, saying, “I will be with you” (Exodus 3:!2)”- Harold S. Kushner

STOOD in Greek (STRONGS LEXICON G3936) PARISTEMI - "to place beside”, “to set at hand”, “to provide”, “to show”, “to stand beside one”, “to stand ready"

STRENGTHENED in Greek (STRONGS LEXICON G1743) ENDYNAMOO - “increase in strength”, “endue with strength”