Do you face an overwhelming task, burden, challenge, or battle? Is there something God has called you to do or endure that seems too much for you to handle? Do you feel His presence with you in it?
I hope you do. I've encountered all manner of difficulties, conflicts, and seemingly insurmountable obstacles in my years as a pastor. But knowing the Father is near me – loving, defending, and providing for me – has gotten me through every single one.
In fact, there are times when I am studying Scripture or thinking about God's faithfulness, when suddenly I am so aware of His awesome presence that am my filled with emotion and begin weeping. During these times, He doesn't say anything. He simply makes Himself known so that I can understand He loves me enough to manifest His incredible power, wisdom, and authority on my behalf.
This is especially important to me as I think about my mission to lead people worldwide into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. As you can imagine, this can be challenging at times. There are many hurdle to overcome, nations closed to the gospel, and lost souls to reach. It is a tremendous task that never ends.
I often consider how overwhelming it must have been for the disciples, listening to Christ's Great Commission to them: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you” (Matt. 28:19-29, emphasis added)...Can you imagine how impossible it must have seemed to them – reaching all the nations?. Yet Jesus' assurance to them made all the difference, “And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of this age” (Matt 28:29).
Without that promise, the disciples could not have done what Christ commanded. Our Savior's presence with them was imperative, just it is for us today. This is because as believers, He inspires, energizes, enables, and counsels us in very special ways, no matter what we're called to do or what challenges we must face.
So what is it that weighs heavy on your heart today? Has the Lord called you to do something in His name and for His glory? Are you facing financial, health, or relational difficulties? Is there a task before you that is far more than you can handle – a task that you wonder if you can persevere through it?
It is very important to God that you recognize He is with you... Why?... Because the Father does for us those things that you and I can't do for ourselves...What does He do?
First, when we experience the Lord's presence, He inspires us to join Him in His divine purpose...The Father wants to accomplish special things in our lives that are much greater than we are..For example, He spoke from the burning bush and called Moses to deliver Israel out of Egyptian slavery—an incredible mission.. (Ex. 3)...But Moses did not think he could do it...Perhaps you have doubts about what you must do as well..I encourage you to never second guess what God can do through a servant who is willing to obey Him.
Second, when we encounter the Father and Son and realize He is absolutely holy, omnipotent (all powerful), omnipresent (always with us), omniscient (all knowing), and omni-benevolent (unconditional in His love for us), He energizes us to face any difficulty...Think about the prophet Isaiah..He saw the Lord as He really is – on His throne, His throne in Heaven, completely righteous, majestic, and glorious.. How did Isaiah respond? The prophet immediately observed that the King of Kings was fully worthy of all honor and obedience, Isaiah cried out, “here am I, send me!” (Isa 60)..We too..When we experience the awesomeness of God,we will be fully motivated to serve Him, regardless of the challenges.
Third, the Father's presence enables us to accomplish extraordinary things. What made Moses believe he could part the Red Sea; David consider he could fight Goliath ;Peter trusted he could walk on water; or Paul thought he could preach before the Roman rulers Festus, Felix, and Agrippa?..In each case, it was because of their confidence in the living God...As Luke 1:47 teaches, “Nothing will be impossible with God.”
Fourth, when we experience the Father's presence, He counsels us with His perspective regarding our circumstances..From our earthly earthly viewpoint, everything may be falling apart..But the Lord, who sees the end of a matter from the beginning, is aligning His resources to help us..Like David, we can say, "When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You..In God, whose word I praise, in God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid..What can mere man do to me?” (Ps. 56:3-4).
Friend, no matter what trouble you encounter today, I ask you to surrender your life to the Lord and watch what He does..He will make Himself known to you in powerful ways that fit your life perfectly..Therefore, spend time in His awesome presence..Allow Him to inspire you with His plans, energize you to face difficulties, enable you to accomplish extraordinary things, and counsel you on how to find victory in every circumstance..Don't miss out on one of the choicest blessings we as believers can ever enjoy – experiencing the presence of the living God.
Charles F. Stanley
August 2011 Prayer Letter
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