BLESSING COMES WITH HIS PRESENCE
- Key Verse
- "I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you." (Genesis 28:15)
READ THE CHAPTER
Central Truth
Whatever journey we are on, we need His very presence with us to come out victorious.
Reflections
Six years ago I left my country to come to the United States to study the Bible. I didn't have a close friend or family. I didn't even know the language very well. Many times I felt discouraged and asked myself if I had made the right decision. After I finished seminary, my wife and I decided to serve the Lord as short-term missionaries. Through that experience, we had to face many hard situations and were sometimes unsure of our future. Approximately five months ago, we started yet another new journey. We moved to Austin to plant a first generation Hispanic church. We didn't have any friends or family here, it was a new culture and it is a completely new experience in our life.When we start or move into a new ministry, job or task, it is like we are embarking on a new journey. Many questions, fears and uncertainties arise. "What if everything goes wrong? What if I fail?" This is our natural reaction when facing transitions and/or challenges in our lives. What can we hold on to? What keeps us going? How should we pray in these moments? "God provide this or that"? "Lord, help me in this way or the other"? While these prayers are sincere, I think we miss the point. The important thing is God's presence with us. His presence is the guarantee for blessing and provision in our life. His presence is what brings us peace, rest and clarity in moments when we see everything blurry.
I think this is why God appeared to Jacob when he left home and started his journey. He probably had the same fear, uncertainty and questions, and God wanted to encourage him. In verse 15, God does this by saying, "I am with you." Jacob needed to know this, and so do we. If God is with us, everything is going to be all right -- no matter the circumstances. Let's change our prayer and ask for His presence in every moment and in every circumstance. The rest will come on its own.
Discussion Questions
1. What journey are you on right now that makes you anxious?2. What are some ways we can find God's presence?
3. How do you pray when you are worried or fearful?
Comments
The views expressed under “Comments” are solely
those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Hill Country Bible Church NW.
Jaime
February 2, 2012 05:06 AM
Gran verdad! Bienvenido.
Danny
February 2, 2012 07:24 AM
WellDone Edwin, So True,So True My Brother..and an Excellent Message for today and everyday. Keep em coming this way..we can all use the encouragement. Danny
Laurie Carlson
February 2, 2012 07:47 AM
Beautiful Edwin! I'm so glad you have stepped out in faith to lead this new expression of HCBC as you reach into pockets of our city that need to hear about our Savior. Praying that you will experience God's presence and pleasure as you follow hard after Him.
Kim Mozejko
February 2, 2012 09:48 AM
Edwin, I can't agree more with the encouraging message and words of wisdom. My experience is that this is absolutely true, 100% of the time. When I lose my way and am feeling anxious or concerned it is because I have taken my focus away from His presence. Thanks Edwin.
Laurence Estill
February 2, 2012 01:07 PM
Your comments are particularly helpful for me in this time of change in my life. We do need His presence and He inhabits the praises of his people. Thank you for sharing your life.
Jackie Victor
February 2, 2012 02:30 PM
Thank you so much, Edwin, you are soooo right. "If God is for us....who can be against us." I forget this all to often, so thank you for the reminder. God bless you and your wife on your new journey. Jackie
Norma harais
February 8, 2012 08:58 AM
Thank you so much for this! Been struggling a lot with "unrest" -- not knowing if I'm where God wants me. When things aren't going smoothly or as we think they should, it doesn't always mean that God is pushing us elsewhere, but rather urging us to just let go and let Him take care of it. His presence will guide us through. Thank you!