Manna for Your Morning

“ Do not fear, for I am with you …” — Isaiah 43:5 (NASB) When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. (Isaiah 43:2 NLT) This is what the LORD says, He who makes a way through the sea and a path through the mighty waters, (Isaiah 43:16 AMP). We may have to go “through” some stuff but God is faithful to be with us, in it and to provide a way out of it. Amen. “... I am with you always, even to the end of the age. ” — Matthew 28:20 (NLT)

Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the LORD.” And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. — 1 Kings 19:11-12 (NKJV) No matter what storms blow into your life, keep your ear open to hear the still small voice of your heavenly Father. Don’t let the noise of this world, drown out the quiet whisper of God’s gentle voice. Never get distracted or discouraged by the contrary winds that may shake your world. The LORD will give you the direction, and guidance to keep you on the right path.

But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water. Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?” — Mark 4:37-38 (NLT) Have you ever wondered if God cares? Well, you can be 100% confident that He does care about you. God loves you with a relentless love. He loved us before we loved Him or even acknowledged that He exists. When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm (Mark 4:39 NLT). When you have one of those days where it seems you are drowning in a sea of adverse circumstances, remember Who you are in the boat with. When you are in the presence of Jesus, you can experience great calm and comfort in the midst of a chaotic environment. Jesus was able to sleep because He trusted the Father. May we never focus on the stor...

One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So they got into a boat and started out. As they sailed across, Jesus settled down for a nap. But soon a fierce storm came down on the lake. The boat was filling with water, and they were in real danger. The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!” When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and the raging waves. Suddenly the storm stopped and all was calm. — Luke 8:22-24 (NLT) If a fierce storm arose after you set sail to pursue what God put in your heart to do, it probably felt like Jesus was asleep in your boat. In spite of the winds of adversity and violent waves, rest assured, Jesus is not asleep. Have no anxiety or fear. In the midst of the storm, you can live in His perfect peace. As long as you are on board with Jesus, our life preserver, you will reach your desired destination, and your plans will succeed.

HELP! Listen to my prayer, O God. Do not ignore my cry for help! Please listen and answer me, for I am overwhelmed by my troubles. — Psalm 55:1-2 (NLT) In 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 (NLT), the Apostle Paul wrote, we were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God. In all of life’s challenges, may we learn to rely only on God. When we feel like we are about to drown in the sea of affliction, God is our life preserver. He will keep us afloat while He draws us into His safe haven. We can’t handle all that comes our way on our own, but praise God, we don’t have to.

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. — Isaiah 41:10 (NLT) When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you (Isaiah 43:2 NLT). You may be going through extremely difficult times right now, but the LORD is with you, He will help you and He will bring you through.

Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! — Psalm 42:5a (NLT) When we follow our feelings, we may drown in despair, hopelessness and depression. Our feelings are fickle; they come and go, they are up, then down. The Word of God, however, stands forever. (Psalm 119:89). Our feelings can be led astray, but God’s Word is truth. Choose the way of truth. (Psalm 119:30). Your feelings may say, you are unwanted and God doesn’t care about you. The fact is that God loves you, and chose you before the foundation of the world. (Ephesians 1:5). He never leaves your side. Feelings say that your life is pointless —do what you want. Fact is that God created you with a higher and greater purpose than what you see right now. He reveals it step-by-step. You may be feeling down and defeated. Fact is God gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57). We overcome by the blood of the Lamb. We are more than conquerors! Stand on the facts of God...

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;” — Isaiah 43:1-3 (NKJV) Let us be confident that our God stands by our side and He will see us through the storms. At times, it may seem that we are in over our heads, but He will not allow us to drown or be burned. If we continue to put one foot in front of the other, we will eventually pass through the difficult waters and through the flames of adversity. Rely on God to give you the strength and He will bring you through!

This is my comfort in my affliction, for Your word has given me life.  — Psalm 119:50 (NKJV) When the enemy tries to drown us in the sea of affliction, the Word of the LORD is our comfort. “I cried out to the LORD because of my affliction, and He answered me.” (Jonah 2:2) His wonderful promises preserves our lives. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but we can be strong and take heart because the LORD delivers us out of them all! (Psalm 34:19)

Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.  — Psalms 73:23-24 (NKJV) Abide in the LORD and He will always be with you. When you go through deep waters, our heavenly Father will be with you.When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you (Isaiah 43:2, NLT). God guides you with His counsel, leading you to a glorious destiny! (Psalms 73:24, NLT)