Encouragement for Today - July 29, 2005

July 29

Encouragement for Today

“I am Always Here for You”

Ramona Davis, Proverbs 31 Certified Speaker

Key Verse:

Hebrews 13:5, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (NKJ)

Devotion:

Watching her play at recess, I reflected on how much she has grown in the few short years that I have known her. She is now a beautiful, intelligent and outgoing young lady. This is my fourth year working with this hearing impaired student placed into a regular classroom. She is in the fifth grade this year and moves onto middle school this fall.

She has grown from that timid little girl who hid behind my legs when others spoke to her. Her hand now shoots into the air to answer her teacher’s questions. She now chooses to sit with the other young girls at the lunch table rather than sit in a safe seat beside me.

As I reflect on these memories, my eyes mist with tears. I’m so proud of her. Oh, I’ve guided her, but she is the one who has been determined to work hard and persevere through difficult times. She is growing into a confident young lady; sure of herself and sure of what she can accomplish.

When I began working with her in the second grade, she was not used to having someone help her in the classroom. She had to be sure that I was giving her the same information as the teacher. She had to learn that I relayed exactly what others were saying. This required a leap of faith on her part in the beginning and, through experience, she learned that I was trustworthy.

When she was little, I assured her by answering her every question. Now that she is more mature, sometimes I answer her questions with questions of my own. These questions are intended to cause her to think and come up with answers based on what she has been taught. Sometimes I answer her question with a smile because I know that she already knows the answer.

I always encourage her and praise her for her hard work and effort, but find it necessary to distance myself from her from time to time. I withdraw to force her to act on what she has learned.

In many ways, my relationship with her is similar to my relationship with Jesus. When my relationship with Him was new, I often “hid behind Him” in shame of my lack of Bible knowledge. I always felt as if everyone was a Bible scholar and I didn’t even know where the Books of the Bible were. I also hid in shame of my past sins, unable to forgive myself after He had forgiven me. I have had so many questions, but Jesus has always been so patient with me. As He leads and teaches me, my trust and faith grow and grow.

There are times it seems He is nowhere to be found – but in my heart and in His Word He promises that He will never, ever leave or forsake me. He sometimes is silent to help me stretch to live the faith He has taught me. His “silence” forces me to trust Him no matter what my circumstances or fickle feelings.

This wonderful promise, “I will never leave you or forsake you,” in Greek contains two double negatives. In English it would be like saying “I will never, ever, ever forsake you.” Mighty powerful, isn’t it?

Are you sensing His “silence”? Rest, knowing that He will never leave you or forsake you. Trust Him no matter what your circumstances or your feelings. He is forever with you.

My Prayer for Today:

Oh Father God, how I thank You that I can always depend on You to be with me. Forgive me when I have accused You of not caring and deserting me. You love me so much and You are more aware of my circumstances than I am. Help me trust You and rest in You when I can’t “hear” You. Lord, I ask You to continue to bless, lead and teach Heather in all her ways. I ask that You send someone to help all students who struggle in school. May they all come to know You as Savior and Teacher. Amen.

Application Steps:

Have you placed your faith in Jesus Christ? If not – don’t wait another day. Ask Him to come into your heart to live forever. He will never leave you or forsake you. (If you done this for the first time, we encourage you to click on the “Do You Know Him” link below, to contact us, so we can encourage you to grow in your new relationship with Christ.)

In what way have you falsely believed that He has forsaken you? Turn to Hebrews 13:5 in your Bible and read these words aloud.

In what ways can you be God’s instrument in the life of a child at school?

Reflection Points:

Read Isaiah 49:16 - your name is on the palms of His hands. When the hand of Jesus was hammered to the Cross, you were on His Mind.

Power Verses:

John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (NIV)

Isaiah 64:4, “For since the beginning of the world men have not heard nor perceived by the ear, nor has the eye seen any God besides You who acts for the one who waits for Him.” (NKJ)

Psalm 27:14, “Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.” (NLT)

Psalm 139:7,8, “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there.” (NIV)