Lou Gehrig was such a clumsy ball player that the boys in his neighbourhood would not let him play on their team. But he was committed. He did not give up. Eventually, his name was entered into baseball’s Hall of Fame.
Woodrow Wilson could not read until he was ten years old. But he was a committed person. He became the twenty-eighth President of the United States.
At the age of seven, he had to go to work to help support his family. At nine, his mother died. At twenty-two, he lost his job as a store clerk. At twenty-three, he went into debt and became a partner in a small store. At twenty-six, his partner died leaving him a huge debt. By the age of thirty-five, he had been defeated twice when running for a seat in Congress. At the age of thirty-seven, he won the election. At thirty-nine, he lost his re-election bid. At forty-one, his four-year-old son died. At forty-two, he was rejected for a land officer role. At forty-five, he ran for the Senate and lost. At forty-seven, he was defeated for the nomination for Vice President. At forty-nine, he ran for Senate again and lost again. At the age of fifty-one, he was elected President of the United States. During his second term of office, he was assassinated. But his name lives on among the greats in U.S. history—Abraham Lincoln.
These examples encourage us, to not give up, as we face challenges in our lives. I love the words of Isaiah, (Isaiah 43:1-3), “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour.”
This verse encourages us to remember God has “redeemed us” “has saved us.” He has invested everything in us, giving His very life to us in Jesus. He has called us and chosen us to be His own. “I have called you by name, you are mine.” He is infinitely interested is us!
This verse reminds us that “when we pass through the waters”, when we go through those difficult times, “I will be with you.” His concern and protection are there with us. It does not mean physical exemption all the time but ultimate spiritual protection and security. As Paul says, “Nothing, absolutely nothing can separate us from His love” (Romans 8:39). We are never, never alone. Jesus is with us.
This verse reminds us that with a “Christ like perspective” we will never be “overwhelmed.” We will be discouraged at times. We will feel pain. We will be lacking understanding but we will never be defeated. With Christ, we are the victors. Hang onto that truth. The day is coming when we shall wear the victor’s crown.
As we close, my friends, remember who we serve, who is in control. “For I am the Lord (the sovereign God) your God, the Holy One of Israel (the one without blemish or sin, absolutely faultless and perfect). He is “our Saviour”, our deliverer in so, so many ways! He is the “Alpha” (the beginning) and the “Omega” (the end)! There is nothing beyond His touch and control.
God bless and keep you – Pastor Ralph
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