April 15
Wednesday, April 15
The Lord your God has been with you; you have lacked nothing. Deuteronomy 2:7
Here is a word of assurance from God to his people, the children of Israel at that time. He reminded them earlier in the verse that he was with them as they went through the wilderness for forty years. “The Lord your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He has watched over your journey through this vast wilderness. These forty years the Lord your God has been with you, and you have not lacked anything.” We can recount many of those instances: crossing the Red Sea; manna and quail; the pillar of fire and pillar of cloud; water from the rock; success in battle. God was with them.
But this message is very pertinent to us today. He has been with us in every wilderness situation. Do you remember when he supplied food for your table when you were low on cash? Do you recall how he directed you to the ideal job? Can you still see his hand touching you during that critical sickness, bringing you to full recovery? He has been with you. This is the confident assurance that you can have in the face of this COVID-19 pandemic: no matter what, God is present. Even though the outlook may appear dim and grim, consider that he has ‘watched over your journey through your vast wilderness’. The Lord your God has been with you these many years. So today he is with you, for he has called you to be strong and courageous, promising: “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9) Whilst you may not understand the workings and challenges of COVID-19, you can understand the commitment of your God to walk with you through this pandemic.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, with the victory of Easter we are assured afresh that you are always victorious. Help us, in the midst of these challenging days of COVID-19, to trust you completely, knowing that you have promised always to be with us, and to make us victorious. Amen.