ISAIAH 41:10

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;  I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

TO PONDER 

Today, Saturday the 8 March 1997 (28 years ago), I married my beautiful wife. We were married at St Lukes Lutheran church in Albury. We both stood at the alter head over heels in love thinking it can’t get much better than this, and that life together would be a ‘breeze’ as we had each other.  The day was such a happy occasion but it will always be somewhat of a blur for us as after all the hard work and months of meticulous preparation, it was over in a flash! One thing we both vividly remember about the day and have spoken about numerous times over the course of our marriage, was the message our Minister, Pastor Rick Mickelson gave to us and our family and friends present that day during his address. ‘Marriage is hard-work!’

Pastor Rick was and remains absolutely right. Marriage is hard work! Having a common faith and knowing that God has promised to walk with us (“so do not fear, for I am with you”) has been instrumental for us. Our faith and love have been challenged from time to time such as during the eight years it took us to start a family, but with all these challenges, God was strengthening our faith in Him and our love for one another (“I will strengthen you and help you”).  Over the journey together we have grown to accept that God’s will for us is still taking shape and only He knows what is to come and what awaits us around the next bend, but he promises to hold us up and support us (“I will uphold you with my righteous right hand”). We can take great comfort from today’s reading.   

 So do not fear, for I am with you;

    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

This is all we need to journey on together as one.  Thanks be to God. 

PRAYER: Thank you, Heavenly Father, for all that you have done for me and for all that you continue to do. Your promise to walk with me provides me with the assurance that I have nothing to fear. Your continual provision of strength and help and being there for me to lean on You in times of trouble, provides endless comfort.   Amen   

Today's devotion written by Shane Burdack, LifeWay Epping