Articles
I will not fail Thee
“I Will Not Fail Thee, Nor Forsake Thee”, Joshua 1:5
Joshua, like Moses before him, was assured by Jehovah God that come what may – powerful enemies included - God does not forsake His people. Never mind that it may not always look that way. What Joshua faced would have any man shaking in his boots. But God said, “Be strong and take good courage… Do NOT be afraid of them… I will never forsake you, never let you down.” It was a matter of the word of Jehovah, and for Joshua, it was a matter of faith.
Many in our country, and several from our own congregation, are facing difficult times today. There are problems of all kinds to wrestle with, but I am thinking especially of financial difficulties that are besetting us now. Making ends meet is a challenge in these times of economic slow-downs, high gas prices, stock market jitters, and even lost jobs. It is difficult in the face of such struggles to keep discouragement, fear or even despair away from the door.
Like Joshua, we must learn to look at these things from God’s perspective. It is well nigh impossible from the human viewpoint, but by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, by surrender of our will to the conviction that He is God, we can not only endure such things – we can OVERCOME. Let those of us who are financially burdened – AND those of us who see our brethren so burdened - resolve to do these things BY FAITH:
Do not take the promises of God as just ancient history. He is the LIVING God. He is no less real, and no less concerned about his people now.
Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. We cannot put off seeking God’s righteousness till after the financial crisis is over. That is just adding spiritual problems to the economic ones.
Give yourself to serve God’s people who are hurting. Actively, one by one, seek opportunities to help them and encourage them. “But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels [of compassion] from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?” I Jn. 3:17. Even those who have little in this world have something to offer, some good work in this that God has called us to. He will not fail, nor forsake us, and WE must not fail or forsake our brethren.
Pray, and don’t give up praying! Yes, we certainly can ask for His help. He will not forsake His children. But more importantly, pray for others. Pray to see God’s will done in your life and the lives of others during difficult financial times.
Do not be anxious about tomorrow. Worrying about what might happen doesn’t add anything to your height OR your bank account. Be strong and of a good courage.
Keeping the cross of Jesus in front of you, take up your own and follow Him. He will be there leading us. No man who loses wealth, home, and family for His sake will escape his notice. They shall receive many-fold more. It is a matter of faith. You can “take that to the bank”.
Larry Walker
October 2008