Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified…for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.
Our women’s Bible study group is currently immersed in Priscilla Shirer’s 7-week book/video study of the amazing prophet Elijah. We are investing time into searching God’s Word, discovering His Heart, His perspective and His promises that apply to us today. Priscilla gave us 12 different Bible verses as a starting point and I wrote them all out in my workbook. Many of the verses were very familiar to me such as Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. I memorized this entire Psalm as a child in Sunday school and called on it innumerable times to help me persevere through the dark valleys of living in a dysfunctional family. After my husband died my sister sent me Jesus’ promise in John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. Hardly a day goes by when I don’t recite those words. As I wrote out the rest of the verses, the familiar hymn, Standing on the Promises of God, came to my mind. I got up to play my Alan Jackson CD, Precious Memories, which includes that song. As I was singing along with Alan in the living room, my cat, Jack, had jumped up on the dining room table to stand on God’s promises as well. He even appeared to be praying! I couldn’t resist capturing that precious moment and I know God was smiling as I laughed ‘til I cried! As I continued to read about Elijah, I realized that these promises are not just for me to hoard in my heart but they are meant for me to share with others to encourage them in their troubles and distresses. Now as I pray, I am asking God to make me aware of those around me who need to hear His assurances to calm their anxious hearts. I like to write, so my first thought was to write down this experience for the Inspiration Station. Now, I pray for courage to step out from my comfort zone to testify face-to-face, faithfully and in the spirit of Elijah, of God’s promises in the Bible that are available for us all. Thanks be to God!
