Do you know the ways God is with? This Christmas season take the time to share your faith knowing that God, is indeed with you!
The Ways God is With Us
As we approach this Christmas season, let’s think about some of the ways God is with us. When Jesus was born into this world, adding humanity to His deity, He came with a mission: to die for sinners. During His earthly ministry He served, He taught, and He left us an example that we should follow in His steps. Of course we are not perfect as He was and is, but by the power of the Holy Spirit we can live a life that reflects His mission and purpose.
When the angel spoke to Joseph, he quoted Isaiah:
“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel” (Matt. 1:23; Isa. 7:14).
That God would not only be among His people but eventually dwell in them is a truth beyond our full comprehension. How wonderful to know that the God of the universe, who rules over heaven and earth, humbled Himself and took on humanity! He knows our weaknesses, our trials, and our struggles, and He has promised us His presence. Immanuel—God with us!
It has been well said that the secret of peace is not a plan or a program but a Person—Immanuel, God with us. The Lord Jesus never promised His followers a life of ease where we could simply coast along. In fact, He said the very opposite:
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
No matter what we are going through—the trials we face, the fears that darken our days, or the challenges that seem too big to handle—we can have peace. Why? Because Immanuel—God with us!
The Son of God on the Earth
The Bible shows us what God the Son was like during His time on earth. In Philippians we are told to have the same mindset He had.
“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant…” (Phil. 2:5-7).
Jesus taught that if anyone wants to be great in HIs kingdom, he must serve others. We see Him living this out when He rises from supper, wraps a towel around His waist, and washes His disciples’ feet. Then He says,
“I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you” (see John 13:1-17).
That is our Lord. That is what greatness looks like in the kingdom of God. That is what it looks like to have an eternal impact. Immanuel – God with us!
“We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20).
We Feel Inadequate
For many of us, though, it feels daunting. We know our own inadequacy; we fear rejection. But the Lord Jesus did not leave us helpless. Peter writes,
“Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness… by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature…” (2 Peter 1:2-4).
We have been given everything we need for life and godliness! That means you and I are fully equipped to represent the living God as His ambassadors – right now. Yes, we can keep learning and sharpening our skills, but we don’t have to wait; we share the message today. Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 6:1-2
“We then, as workers together with Him… Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”
Did you catch that? We are workers together with Him. We are never alone in pointing people to Christ. When we tell others about the Lord Jesus, we do not do it in our own strength – He labors with us. What then dow we have to fear? He empowers us. He directs us. He never leaves us. Why? Immanuel – God with us!
Amen!
Do you know that God is with you? Share your story. We would love to hear from you. Comment below or contact us at HopeStreamRadio.
Tom Bell
Tom Bell is a full-time Christian worker and also serves as an elder at Northside Bible Chapel in Barrie, Ontario, and is a board member of FBH International.
With a deep passion for teaching God’s Word to both adults and children, Tom loves helping believers of all ages grow in their understanding of Scripture and their walk with the Lord.
Tom and his wife Beth are parents to five boys. The Bells are frequently found serving in camp ministries, investing in the next generation and creating opportunities for young people to encounter Christ.
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