“For All” – Day Fifteen

13 Sep “For All” – Day Fifteen

Scripture: Isaiah 41:8-10 NLT  – “But as for you, Israel my servant, Jacob my chosen one, descended from Abraham my friend, I have called you back from the ends of the earth, saying, ‘You are my servant.’ For I have chosen you and will not throw you away. 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.”

Observation: Through Jesus, there’s nothing we can’t do. God chose us from the very beginning to be his servants. When we feel unqualified, God is where we can find our comfort and our strength to do what he called us to. We were part of his plan before we even knew who he was.

Application: A few years back, I started having some health concerns. I was having consistent chest pains and nearly fainted a few times along with other unexplainable symptoms. After a few days, my symptoms started to peak a bit and I was taken to the hospital. They ran various tests on me and couldn’t find anything wrong. Later that week, I began seeing a therapist and we determined that what I was experiencing were anxiety and panic attacks. It was one of the worst things I’ve ever gone through. I had to take time off work and couldn’t leave the house because my panic attacks were so bad. I was afraid of what was happening to me because it wasn’t triggered by anything and I hadn’t ever been through anything like it. I’m sure many of you can relate, anxiety can be so crippling and scary.

Have you ever felt something like this? Maybe you’re drowning financially. Maybe it’s depression or addiction. Maybe you lost someone you loved. Maybe you’re struggling with loneliness. Fear and hard times come in many different ways. The enemy wanted to steal my confidence, but I am so encouraged when I read how God says, “’You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” And as tough as it was to navigate through anxiety, I was able to rise above it through the power of Jesus. I was comforted knowing that no matter how bad I felt, Jesus was my firm foundation. I took comfort in knowing that God upheld me with his righteous right hand and I was able to find peace in the storm that was trying to take over my mind. I hope that you find encouragement in this! And don’t you feel just a bit stronger knowing that our Almighty God is in our corner?

Whatever you are struggling with right now, ask God to strengthen and help you. Remember that he is your Rock and Firm Foundation. Is there something that you feel like you’re being nudged to do but have been too afraid? What do you feel God is calling you to right now? Be courageous and step out of your comfort zone. Maybe that’s leading a J-Group or starting to serve on the J-Team. Ask God for his guidance with what your next steps could be while asking him for the courage to get past what’s holding you back. You can get through anything with Jesus because he is always there to guide you through it.

Prayer: God, I’m having trouble and I know I can’t get past this struggle without you. I believe that you have bigger plans on the other side of this and I know that you’ll bring me through it. Give me the strength I need to get through this. Thank you for never letting me face things alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Matt Griffin

Journey Students Team Leader & Journey Worship J-Teamer 

Matt came to The Journey about five years ago when his brothers invited him. After gathering for a while, he felt a nudge to lead in Journey Students. This experience has been rewarding for Matt as he finds encouragement watching the next generation grow in their walks with Jesus. Matt also serves on Journey Worship where he helps create an atmosphere for people to experience Jesus.

Going Deeper:

•  Continue to read on in Isaiah 41:11-29. God continues to encourage his people by saying, “All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. Those who wage war against you will be nothing at all.” 
• Things like anxiety or financial trouble can’t measure up to the strength of our God. When we don’t see a way out of something, he’s already made it.  For further encouragement, read 1 Samuel 17, Daniel 3, and Daniel 6. 
• If you’re struggling with anxiety or mental illness, you’ll want to join us for our series “Mind Games”, September 11-October 10.