God Is FOR You

Jesus never promised that life would be easy. On the contrary, Jesus said that we would have trials.

At times, our difficulties make us question our relationships, our feelings about ourselves and others, and if God is truly concerned about our situation. It may appear like God is not present and if He is, that He is not tuned in to our cry for help. Our problems persist and our relationships suffer. But know this, whether we go through financial struggles, physical or emotional problems, God is near to us. 

Joshua 5:13-14 says,

“Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” “Neither,” he replied, “but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come ... (NIV)”

In this passage, Joshua was being prepared to go into Jericho to take the city. The Israelites had just celebrated the Passover and the Bible says that the manna had ceased. Still, Joshua thought to ask the angel of the Lord whether he was for the Israelites or for Jericho. When the angel answered “neither” he was saying that he was not for him or against him, just as he was not for Jericho or against Jericho. The angel was there to do the will of the Lord. 

Now, let that soak in for a moment. 

Have you ever felt that God was against you and for someone else? After reading that verse, I have come to understand that God is not out to take sides, but He sends His angels to accomplish His will in our lives and in the lives of those around us. 

In your situation, pray about what is God’s will for your life and understand that God does not have anything against you. The enemy would love for you to believe that God is angry with you and therefore has abandoned you; especially when you see others prosper or the wicked blessed. 

No, whether you see it or not, the Bible says that the “Father is always at His work” (John 5:17, NIV). God is working on your behalf. His will is to bless you and to set you free from the lies of the enemy. His will is for you to grow in Him and be the person that He has created you to be. Meditate on the fact that you are loved by God and that He is for you to accomplish His will in your life.

Meditate on Proverbs 19:21 (NIV):

Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.

Copyright © Yuisa Vazquez-Brooks, used with permission.