God in our Struggles
Matthew 1:22-23 NIV
22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”[a] (which means “God with us”).
The assurance of God's presence in every situation is a cornerstone of our faith. Life brings both good times and bad, and it's comforting to know that we have a God who is with us through it all. This is the essence of the name Emmanuel, which means "God with us." No matter what we face, God has promised to never leave us or forsake us. His presence is our source of strength and peace.
The significance of "God with us" is profound. It means that God stepped out of heaven, wrapped Himself in flesh, and became one of us. He is with us in the good times, in the bad times, in the hospital, when things are against us, and when all hope seems lost. Matthew 1:22-24 reminds us of this truth: "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us." This promise is a reminder that we are never alone.
In our daily lives, it is important to acknowledge and feel God's presence, regardless of our circumstances. Whether we are facing challenges in our marriage, finances, work, or health, God's presence is a source of comfort and strength. We can trust in His promise to be with us always. Since God lives in the praises of His people, the best thing we can do to truly invite God in our situation is praise Him! It sounds counterintuitive to praise God in the middle of a bad situation, but it is the fastest way to feel and encounter His presence. Why don't you stop right now, turn on some worship, and begin to welcome God in whatever you are walking through today.
Prayer:
Lord, we thank You for being Emmanuel, God with us. Help us to always remember Your presence in our lives, especially during our struggles. Give us the strength to trust in Your promises and to feel Your peace in every situation. Surround us with a community that supports and encourages us. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”[a] (which means “God with us”).
The assurance of God's presence in every situation is a cornerstone of our faith. Life brings both good times and bad, and it's comforting to know that we have a God who is with us through it all. This is the essence of the name Emmanuel, which means "God with us." No matter what we face, God has promised to never leave us or forsake us. His presence is our source of strength and peace.
The significance of "God with us" is profound. It means that God stepped out of heaven, wrapped Himself in flesh, and became one of us. He is with us in the good times, in the bad times, in the hospital, when things are against us, and when all hope seems lost. Matthew 1:22-24 reminds us of this truth: "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated, "God with us." This promise is a reminder that we are never alone.
In our daily lives, it is important to acknowledge and feel God's presence, regardless of our circumstances. Whether we are facing challenges in our marriage, finances, work, or health, God's presence is a source of comfort and strength. We can trust in His promise to be with us always. Since God lives in the praises of His people, the best thing we can do to truly invite God in our situation is praise Him! It sounds counterintuitive to praise God in the middle of a bad situation, but it is the fastest way to feel and encounter His presence. Why don't you stop right now, turn on some worship, and begin to welcome God in whatever you are walking through today.
Prayer:
Lord, we thank You for being Emmanuel, God with us. Help us to always remember Your presence in our lives, especially during our struggles. Give us the strength to trust in Your promises and to feel Your peace in every situation. Surround us with a community that supports and encourages us. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
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