Christ Will Rescue You: October 2024

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

God, Don’t Leave Me Now

Life can sometimes feel like a wild rollercoaster. One minute you’re on top of the world, and the next, you're holding on for dear life. But in those crazy twists and turns, there's a rock-solid truth we can cling to: God's faithfulness is unwavering. In Exodus 23:20 (NLT), He promised His people: “Behold, I send an angel before you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared. Pay attention to him and listen to what he says. Do not rebel against him; he will not forgive your rebellion, since my Name is in him. If you listen carefully to what he says and do all that I say, I will be an enemy to your enemies and will oppose those who oppose you.” This passage grounds us in the truth of God’s power and love, letting us know that we’re never in this alone. He is with us every step of the way, guarding and protecting us from our enemies, and leading us the place of refuge and rest that He has prepared.

Our Heavenly Father is always fighting for us. When we’re feeling scared and alone, we can be confident that He will turn our battles into victories, but we have a part to play as well; we must listen to His voice and follow Him with our whole heart. It’s not just about believing; it’s about actively seeking Him in the chaos of life. He’s not asking us to do everything perfect; He’s looking for our willingness to trust Him, to step out in faith, and to surrender our fears. As we take those steps, He promises to lead us through the storms and into the blessings He has prepared for us.

Jesus Christ declared in John 10:10 (NKJV): “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” Through the life, sacrifice, and resurrection of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, God has given us access to a more than abundant life! Jesus invites us into an existence filled with hope, purpose, and fulfillment. When we embrace this truth, it can transform our perspective and empower us to rise above any challenge we might face. However, when we allow fear and doubt to rule our minds and hearts, we become stuck. We’re too afraid to see Jesus’ invitation as an opportunity to do something meaningful for ourselves, and most importantly, for God’s Kingdom.

When we’re struggling with fear and doubt, we express thoughts like, “I don’t think I can handle this,” “This is too hard,” or “What if I fail?” These negative beliefs often hold us back, and it’s easy to let them dictate our choices. However, recognizing this tendency opens the door to overcoming our fear.

We can draw strength from verses like Philippians 4:13 (NLT), “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” Acknowledging our empowerment from God through Christ is crucial, and we must confess the truth of Romans 8:37 (NKJV), “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” When fear feels overwhelming, we must stand strong on Isaiah 54:17 (NLT), “No weapon formed against you shall prosper.” When we really start to take in these truths, we flip the script from fear to faith. It’s all about facing our doubts head-on and reminding ourselves that every challenge will lift us higher if we place our faith in God wholeheartedly.

In Psalm 27:9 (NLT), King David pleaded with God: “Do not turn your back on me. Do not reject your servant in anger. You have always been my helper. Don’t leave me now; don’t abandon me, O God of my salvation!” It’s clear that David felt fearful during his time of adversity, but his confidence in God outweighed his vulnerability. He sought the guidance and protection of God, confident that our Heavenly Father wouldn’t abandon him. This is true for us as well. God will never leave or forsake us.

Our Heavenly Father is with us every moment of our lives, and even though we can’t see all the things He is doing behind the scenes, we can be assured that He’s actively fighting for us. As you look at your circumstances, it might feel overwhelming. You’re feeling lost or scared right now, but remember: God is right there beside you, ready to lead you to the place He’s prepared. Trust in His promises, lean on His strength, and take heart, knowing that brighter days are ahead. Yes, sometimes it’s challenging to step out on faith, not knowing what happens next, but no matter how challenging the path may seem, you are never alone. If you place your trust in God, He will guide you every step of the way.

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Focus on God First

Life will often put us in situations where tough choices have to be made. These aren't the kind of decisions we can take lightly. If we rush through them or try to figure them out on our own without serious prayer, we might end up with regrets—or worse, stuck in a season of delay. James 1:5 (NLT) reminds us, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” Seeking God’s wisdom makes all the difference in those critical moments of life.

“I knew deep down that I didn’t want to walk away from my relationship, but how could I look at myself in the mirror if I don’t?” Margo’s voice was weary as she spoke, after spending over an hour on the phone, torn about whether to end her three-year marriage.

A ten-month-old daughter, maxed-out credit cards, and a husband who disappears for days at a time without so much as a call. No explanations, no apologies—just silence. The longest he’d ever been gone was a week last summer, leaving her to figure it all out alone. Whenever she confronted him, all he could say was that he “needed a break.” No other reason, just a selfish escape from the life they were supposed to be building together.

Proverbs 15:1(NLT) says, “A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.” When Margo’s anger begins to get the best of her, she says this verse repeatedly in her head so she can keep the peace for their daughter. As single women, many of us have dealt with situations in our relationships that have caused the kind of frustration Margo is going through. Refusing to accept that kind of emotional abandonment, we chose to let that whole thing go. When children and finances are involved, the luxury of leaving isn’t so easy. Many women in this situation cast faith and wisdom to the wind and opt to keep themselves comfortable in a bad situation.

Whether it’s relationship struggles, financial stress, health issues, or emotional pain, the answer is always found in preparing ourselves to build our faith. The first truth we need to hold onto is that God has not abandoned us. Proverbs 15:3 (NLT) tells us, “The Lord is watching everywhere, keeping his eye on both the evil and the good.” Even when frustration and heartache make us feel like God isn’t paying attention to the wrongs we've suffered, that’s never the case. He sees it all—good, bad, and everything in between. But God wants us to understand that it’s not about what others are doing. It’s about us and our faith in Him. He calls us to trust Him and stay committed to growing in faith, confident that He’s always present, working things out even when we don’t yet see the outcome.

In spiritual battles, especially in our relationships, clinging to the Word of God and filling our minds with it constantly and fiercely must become a habit. This shows our commitment to obeying God and putting Him first in every part of our lives. Jesus commands us in Matthew 6:33 (NLT), “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Life teaches us that not all surprises are good, and things don’t always turn out the way we expect. But these setbacks shouldn’t steal our hope in Christ. Even when the enemy throws situations at us to break us down, God can turn it around and give us a fresh start.

We can’t change the past, but we can change what we do now by choosing to deepen our faith and hold onto the truth God has spoken. He’s already given us everything we need to live a victoriously– it’s up to us to believe His Word. Even when we find ourselves in the middle of a storm, make no mistake—in Christ, we will come out the other side victorious! God promises this in His Word! First and foremost, the key is keeping our focus on Him; this must be our stance. If we don’t make God the center of our attention, our minds won’t be renewed, and fear will easily creep in where faith should be. We can guard against this by trusting our Heavenly Father and choosing to fix our thoughts on His goodness.

In the end, the choice is always ours. We can either let life’s storms shake us or allow them to push us closer to God. The strength we need to endure, the wisdom to navigate challenges, and the peace we long for are all found in Him. By building our faith and keeping our eyes fixed on His promises, we can face anything that comes our way with confidence. As we trust in His plan and stand firm in His Word, we’ll find that no matter the struggle, we are more than conquerors through Christ. It’s through this faith that we can truly live the victorious life God has called us to. ■

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Nothing Will Injure You

Navigating obstacles and overcoming trials is part of the authority we’ve been given through Christ. In Luke 10:19 (NLT), Jesus speaks to his disciples, empowering them to go out and preach the Gospel: “Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you.” Here, our Savior reassures his disciples of the power he’s granted them. That same authority rests upon us today, and his desire is that we walk in it daily, trusting in his strength and protection.

The Authority We Hold

Jesus, in this verse, is laying down some serious truth. He’s not just talking about physical dangers; He’s addressing the spiritual battles we face every day. Can you take a moment to soak in that truth? Nothing will injure you. It doesn’t mean that we won’t face challenges or that life will be a smooth ride. What it does mean is that we have a shield—the power and authority of Jesus Christ that protects us from the enemy's attacks. Isaiah 54:17 (NLT) tells us: “But in that coming day no weapon turned against you will succeed. You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you.” This doesn’t mean the weapon won’t be formed—the enemy will try it—but when our faith is firmly planted in God, we are protected.

When Jesus sent out the seventy-two disciples, he equipped them with authority. They returned, buzzing with excitement and overflowing with joy, recounting powerful stories of healing and transformation. They felt powerful, and rightfully so! They had witnessed firsthand the authority and undeniable strength of Christ working through them. And here’s the awesome truth: that same authority is available to us today.

Facing Life’s Problems

Think about the snakes and scorpions. These represent the dangers in our lives—those situations that seem ready to strike. They can take the form of toxic relationships, financial struggles, or even our own doubts and fears. Yet, with Jesus’s words resounding in our hearts, we can face them head-on, with the confidence that he always has our backs.

The Apostle Paul said in 2 Timothy 3:1-5 (NLT), “You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!”

We live in a dark and dangerous world, where people are desperately wicked. You might feel anxious, especially when you consider dating. Many have mastered the art of concealing their dangerous or dysfunctional sides, showing only what seems appealing. This can be a trap, but it’s important to remember that God’s protective shield is around you. The authority and power of Christ equip us to navigate the treacherous paths of life without fear. We can move forward with confidence, knowing we are covered by His protection.

Our Faith in Him

But let’s not kid ourselves; holding onto that authority requires faith. It’s one thing to know we have power; it’s another to walk in it. Our responsibility as believers is to lean upon God’s protection and trust it. The more we lean into Jesus and rely on his strength, the more we realize that his authority flows through us. It’s not our power; it’s his.

We must invite our precious and powerful Savior into every area of our lives. What does this look like? It means surrendering our fears, desires, and decisions to him. It looks like seeking him in prayer before making choices, allowing God’s Word to guide our steps, and trusting that the Lord is with us even in uncertainty. When we live this way, our faith in his protection deepens, and we begin to see his hand in every part of our lives.

There will be moments when doubt creeps in. Maybe you’ll question whether you can truly overcome the struggles in front of you. When those thoughts arise, remember Romans 8:31 (NLT): “What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?” That’s a powerful reminder that we are not alone in our battles or any situation of life.

Life is unpredictable, and the world can feel overwhelming at times. But we have a promise that stands firm: “Nothing will injure you.” Let that truth settle in your heart today. Stand tall, walk boldly, and remember that with Jesus, you’re equipped to face anything that comes your way. So, embrace your authority in the Lord Jesus Christ, and live in the freedom, power, and grace that comes with it. ■