NO MATTER COME WHAT MAY
No Matter Come What May
When life smacks us in the face and our world shifts under our feet where do we find our footing? For the faithful child of God the sure foundation is on the Word of God. Isn’t it wonderful to know that we are not left to find our own stability in a fallen world? We can know that God’s promises are true and that His Word holds us fast. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God…” (Romans 8:28). “If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). And we can trust God has a plan for us (Jeremiah 29:11). Even when it seems the world has turned upside down we can rest assured knowing that, “with God nothing shall be impossible” (Luke 1:37).
So what do we do when fear knocks at the door? Do we pause and choose courage and confidence in truth? We should. God speaking through Isaiah says, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee” (Isaiah 41:10). And David wrote, “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1). Passages such as these remind us that even in the darkest valleys where we are at our lowest low we can say, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me” (Psalm 23:4). He is with us, and that makes all the difference.
For us a christians our strength doesn’t come from us but from God. David also wrote, “…the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1). Paul wrote, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13). Friends, when we are weak His grace is there to strengthen us. Consider the Lord’s answer to Paul’s request, “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Though the path we tread may be long and hard, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD” (Psalm 37:23) and His banner over us is love and grace in spite of all our trials.
As we faithfully endure difficulties in this life we grow stronger and closer to God. But, our endurance only grows if we stand firm on His promises. Paul reminds us to, “Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might” (Ephesians 6:10). That is an important charge because we are in a spiritual war. Perhaps this is why Paul also says, “take unto you the whole armour of God… having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6:13-14). Peter reminds us that we cannot fight this battle alone, saying, “Cast all your care upon him; for He careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7). Paul also writes, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God” (Philippians 4:6, KJV). Only then comes the peace that guards hearts which is, “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7, KJV).
So, we must press on in His strength and put aside the weakness of the flesh edifying one another (1 Corinthians 16:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:11, KJV). Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you” (John 14:27). So, as we walk the narrow path in this life with all of its trials ls, remember His promise, “For he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5). No matter come what may His Word remains true, His grace sustains, and we can stand confidently in Him, now and always.
~ Casey Clement