Encouragements for our troubled times No. 15
COVID-19 Series | Date: 02 July 2020
The Elders and Deacons want to encourage the members and those who regularly meet with us through this weekly letter. If you have news which you would be happy to share with the fellowship or request for prayer, then please let us know.
A message from your Pastor
Isaiah 41:13
“For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.”
This verse always conjures up in my mind a picture of a little toddler out in the big wide world doing something that they find scary and overwhelming. Then their father comes alongside and takes their hand. As the toddler feels that big, strong hand, gently and firmly, take hold of their hand; and as they hear his strong, calm, loving voice saying ‘fear not, I will help you’, all fear leaves them and they instantly feel safe.
In verse 14, the Lord says to Israel, “fear not, you worm Jacob, you men of Israel! I will help you,” says the Lord and your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.” The people of Israel, when faced with adversities, doubted God and were fearful. Jacob trembled at the prospect of meeting his brother Esau. Israel doubted God and feared for their lives when they were freed from Egypt and were pursued by Pharaoh’s forces. Here, Hezekiah and Jerusalem feared the Babylonians and what they might do to them. But God constantly assured them that they had nothing to fear for He was on their side.
He is our God and gives us that same assurance. He says “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” He assures us that “If God is for us then who can be against us.” We may be weak and trembling as a little child in a hostile world; but we are His little child and He, the Mighty One of Israel, is our Father in Heaven. We need not fear for the One who holds our right hand is the lord of all, the King of all kings, and Lord of all lords. All must bow to His will. He is our Redeemer. He is the one who loved us before time and gave Himself for us. The One who bought us at an incredible price. He is the Holy One of Israel. He is pure and cannot lie; true to His word and faithful to His people.
He is a loving Father and we are the Apple of His eye, so loved and tenderly cared for by Him. We know that, even though we cannot see Him or feel His touch, we live by faith and not by sight, and His word is good enough for us.
We do not need to fear, do we? As John Newton, the hymn writer said, “Why should I fear the darkest hour, or tremble at the tempter’s power? Jesus vouchsafes to be my tower.”