A while ago, I had the opportunity to do some very basic rock climbing and learn a little about how it is done. One thing that was very evident to me was how important and reassuring it was to have a “belay” line. A belay line is used by rock climbers to prevent falling a long distance if they lose their grip or footing and fall. On a climbing wall the lines hang down from the top, and slack is taken up as the climber ascends. On a natural climb, the belay line is anchored and another stationary climber feeds out the line as the other climber ascends. If the climber slips, he/she can only fall as far as the last anchor point and the amount of slack the rope allows.

The simple climbing I did looked so easy from the ground. However, once 30 or 40 feet up it felt much more serious. However, the knowledge that the belay line meant that making a mistake would only result in maybe a scrape or two, rather than serious injury, made it a completely different experience.

In a similar way, this is what Paul is saying in Hebrews 13:5-6, he writes, “For God has said, “I will never, never fail you nor forsake you.” That is why we can say without doubt or fear, “The Lord is my helper, and I am not afraid of anything that mere man can do to me.”

If we can get the belief God will not fail us, built into our hearts and minds, we can proceed with confidence on the mission to which he calls us.

Dear Lord, help us all truly know that you will not fail us, and use this knowledge to do your will even in the midst of our fears. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Most of us have had an experience that was challenging or unpleasant, but because of that experience, we were lead into some new opportunity or positive situation, or avoided something even worse. Things like a traffic slowdown prevented us from being involved in an accident, or a minor medical issue that indicates something more serious early enough to resolve.

God talks about this type of situation in Isaiah 65:24, “I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers!”

God also tells us in Isaiah 41:13, “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” NIV

What a comfort it is to know that God cares about each of us, he knows our prayers before we even ask, and he is right there with us through life’s trials, our own trials, or those we love.

Dear Lord, We thank you that you have control over all of our lives. Thank you for hearing our prayers. Bring comfort and healing to those who face trials in their lives, so they may have your peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 NLT

How often we get frustrated and beaten down by the challenges of life; whether we are trying to get ahead by working and going to school, a stay at home parent trying to keep children on track, house organized, spouse happy, and personal sanity, a single parent trying to provide for and raise children at the same time, one challenged by trama, addictions, or personal tragedies, an executive or professional with a hectic schedule competing with family priorities.

I think what Jesus was telling the crowd, and is trying to tell us, is to look to Him and place our confidence and faith in Him; He will help us have peace amidst life’s challenges.

Dear Lord, help us remember that You love us, like a caring parent with outstretched arms waiting for us to come and find comfort and security. In Your name we pray. Amen.

Luke 1 tells the story of the birth of John the Baptist to Zechariah and Elizabeth. They had no other children, and were much too old to have children without a miracle, but the angel, Gabriel, came to Zechariah and told him they would have a child, who would prepare people for the arrival of the Messiah.

Zechariah was skeptical and questioned Gabriel. As a result, Gabriel caused him to be unable to speak until John was born.

When Zechariah was finally allowed to speak, he spoke the prophecy of Jesus’ coming in Luke 1:68-79. The final verses are a beautiful and simple summary of the Good news, Luke 1:78-79 “Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.”

Dear Lord, We praise and thank you for sending the “morning light from heaven,” which is Jesus who brings us out of the darkness of our sin and into your light, allowing us to live in Your peace. In His name we pray. Amen.

Mark 9 includes the story of Jesus healing a boy who was possessed by a demon who would throw him into convulsions.

Mark 9 :21-22 says, “Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?” “From childhood,” he answered. “It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” “If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”

The man said “if you can” to Jesus. The man must have heard the stories of Jesus healing other people, and was looking desperately to find a way to help his son. Even though he probably had heard stories of Jesus healing people, he was not sure Jesus could, or would, heal his son.

Don’t we sometimes fall into this place of doubt, not sure God can solve the difficult problem we have.

In those times, Don’t ask “Can God?” say “God can.”

Dear Lord, We know that with you, all things are possible. Help us remember to pray and ask with confidence, and remember “God can.”
In Jesus’ name. Amen.