By Pastor Lazarus Muoka

Text: Isaiah 41:10 (KJV): “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee: yea, I will help thee: yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”

Fear is one of the greatest weapons the enemy uses against mankind. It weakens faith, steals joy, destroys hope, and often prevents people from experiencing the fullness of God’s promises. Many people today are living in fear because of sickness, poverty, uncertainty, family problems, persecution, insecurity and the unknown future. Some fear death, while others fear failure, rejection or disappointment. Yet,amid all these challenges, God speaks a comforting word to every troubled heart: “Fear not; for I will help thee.”

This promise was first spoken to Israel when difficulties and powerful enemies surrounded them. They appeared weak and helpless, but God assured them that His presence was enough to guarantee their victory.

The same God has not changed. His promise remains true for everyone who puts his trust in Him today. No matter how great your burden may be, no matter how impossible your situation appears, God is still saying, “Fear not, for I will help you.”

God never tells His children not to fear without giving them a reason. In Isaiah 41:10, He gives several reasons fear should not control our lives. Firstly, He says, “For I am with thee.” The greatest blessing any believer can have is the presence of God. When God is with you, you are never alone. People may abandon you, friends may disappoint you, and even family members may fail you, but God never leaves His own.

The Lord declared in Hebrews 13:5 (KJV),”…for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”

This assurance gives confidence in every circumstance. The presence of God turned the wilderness into a place of miracles for Israel. His presence shut the mouths of lions for Daniel. His presence walked with the three Hebrew boys inside the burning fiery furnace. His presence strengthened Paul and Silas in prison. If God is with you, every opposition becomes an opportunity for Him to reveal His power.

Secondly, God says, “I am thy God.” This is a covenant relationship. He is not merely a distant Creator, but a loving Father. Since He is our God, our problems become His concern. A good father does not ignore the cry of his children. Our heavenly Father knows every tear, every pain, every disappointment and every hidden struggle.

Jesus said in Matthew 6:31-32 (KJV): “Therefore take no thought, saying, what shall we eat? or, what shall we drink? or, wherewithal shall we be clothed?… for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.”

God knows your needs before you ask Him. He understands what you are passing through even when nobody else does. Therefore, fear is unnecessary because your life is under the care of an all-knowing and all-powerful God.

The Lord also promises, “I will strengthen thee.” There are moments when our own strength fails. Human wisdom reaches its limit. Money cannot solve every problem. Friends cannot carry every burden. But God’s strength never fails.

David testified in Psalm 46:1 (KJV): “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

Notice that the Bible says He is a very present help, not a distant help. God does not arrive late. He comes at the right time. His strength enables weak people to accomplish extraordinary things. Moses felt inadequate, but God strengthened him to confront Pharaoh. Gideon saw himself as insignificant, but God made him a mighty deliverer. Peter denied Christ through fear, yet after receiving divine strength, he boldly preached the gospel before thousands. God specialises in strengthening those who depend on Him.

Then comes the wonderful promise: “Yea, I will help thee.” God’s help is real. It is practical. It is sufficient. His help may come through divine intervention, miraculous provision, unexpected favour, opened doors, healing, restoration, or supernatural wisdom. When God helps a person, what seemed impossible suddenly becomes possible.

The Psalmist asked in Psalm 121:1-2 (KJV):”I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.”

Many people look to men for help, only to be disappointed. Human help has limits, but God’s help has no limitation. He owns the cattle upon a thousand hills. He rules over kings and nations. Nothing is impossible for Him.

However, God’s greatest help is not merely solving earthly problems. His greatest help is saving sinners from eternal destruction through Jesus Christ. Many people seek God’s hand, but ignore His heart. They desire miracles, but refuse salvation. Yet what shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul?

Sin separates man from God and brings fear, guilt and condemnation. Ever since Adam sinned in the Garden of Eden, mankind has been hiding from God in fear. But Jesus Christ came to restore what sin destroyed.

The Bible says in John 3:16 (KJV): “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Christ bore our sins on the cross, died, was buried, and rose again so that everyone who believes in Him may receive forgiveness and eternal life. This is God’s greatest act of help toward humanity.

Those who truly trust Christ have no reason to fear the future because Romans 8:31 (KJV) declares:”What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?”

This does not mean believers will never face trials. Rather, it means that no trial can overcome those whom God upholds. Difficulties may come, but they will not have the final word. God remains faithful.

Perhaps you have prayed for a long time without seeing immediate answers. Do not lose hope. God’s delays are never His denials. Abraham waited, yet Isaac came. Joseph suffered before reigning. Hannah wept before rejoicing. Lazarus died before Jesus displayed His glory. God’s timing is always perfect.

If fear has filled your heart because of your present circumstances, hear the voice of God, today. He is saying: “Fear not.” Fear magnifies problems, but faith magnifies God. Fear sees obstacles, but faith sees opportunities. Fear looks at human weakness, while faith rests upon divine power.

The Lord is still able to heal every sickness, break every chain, provide every genuine need, restore broken homes, comfort the sorrowful, deliver the oppressed, and save the lost. There is no situation beyond His power.

Yet, this promise belongs especially to those who have surrendered their lives to Christ. If you are still living in sin, the greatest step you can take today is to repent and receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour. Turn away from every sinful lifestyle. Confess your sins before God, believe in the finished work of Christ, and follow Him in obedience. When you become God’s child, His promises become your inheritance.

Finally, remember the encouraging words of Psalm 46:10 (KJV):”Be still, and know that I am God.”

Whatever battle you are fighting today, refuse to surrender to fear. Stand upon the promises of God. Pray without ceasing. Trust Him completely. Obey His word faithfully. Keep your eyes on Jesus Christ. The God who has helped His people throughout every generation has not changed. He is still the Almighty, still the Deliverer, still the Refuge of His people, and still the faithful Helper of all who trust in Him.

Therefore, let your heart be filled with courage, not fear; with faith, not doubt; with hope, not despair. The Lord, Himself, has spoken; and His Word can never fail:”Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee: yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness,” (Isaiah 41:10, KJV).

Testimony Of The Lord’s Doing

‘From Rag To Riches (2)’

My name is Christian Chimezie; this is the concluding part of the testimony published last week.
…One day, l came to service and G.O.counselled us that if we have money, we should go anywhere and buy a piece of land and that, with time, the price of that land would appreciate.In fact, every word that proceeds from the mouth of our G.O. comes to pass. So, l went to Oke-Afar and bought a plot of land and began to develop it little by little. After sometime, God helped me and l bought a Mercedes Benz 190car.

Then, in 2006,when we had a crusade at Ulli in Anambra State, I was there and somehow my last boy was missing, but God of Chosen located him for us. The boy plays basket-balland he has brought so many of his colleagues into the game,but when it wastime to screen those that would go to the U.S. to play, the authoritycentredscreened his friends,pickedthem and left my boy.

Meanwhile, my sonwas the one that introduced his friends to the sports. When l inquired from him what really happened, I was surprised at his response. He said daddy,“my time has not yet come,” and true to his word, a time came that the sports authorities came for another screening and at this time, my boy was the only one selected. God of Chosen is so great.

Today, he is in the U.S., not only that, he went there on scholarship. Initially things were rough for him, but now he has completed his Master’s degree. Praise the Lord!

To crown it all, few days ago, he called us and said he hasreceived his Green Card. Praise the Lord! God of Chosen is great; brethren, hearme,the house l started then at Oke-Afar, Lagos, has been completed andI am living in it, now,with my family. Praise the Lord!

I pray for our G.O. and the Chosen members Worldwide Heaven at last in Jesus’ name …amen.