“They shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” – Matthew 1:23
The Word became flesh, Jesus became a human being, so that He could be “God with you”. He bore your sin in His body so He could remove every barrier between you and Him and restore relationship. He conquered death so that you could live with Him forever. He sits at the Father’s right hand so that He can live inside of you by the Spirit of God. This is how much He loves you and longs to be with you. He is Immanuel. He is “God with you”. This is His name. This is who He is for you.
You are not alone. You are never alone. Not matter how you feel or what you are facing, God has not left you. He is always Immanuel. When you put your faith in Jesus, the Holy Spirit united your spirit with Jesus. He dwells in you and you dwell in Him. You are connected, intertwined; you are one with Him.
He is Immanuel in the fire. He is Immanuel in the flood. He is Immanuel in the wilderness. He is Immanuel in the lion’s den. He is Immanuel in the storm. He is your Ever-Present Help in time of need. He is your Comforter. He is your Eternal Refuge. He sees you; He knows you; He hears your cry; He is with you in the dust, wiping tears, giving you grace. He’s Immanuel in the hospital. He is Immanuel at the office. He is Immanuel when you’re alone. He is Immanuel when you have nothing left in you.
People are not ever-present; they are not all-knowing. Only God is. People don’t have perfect, unfailing love. Only God does
We often want and even expect people to be ever-present, there for us whenever we need them; we imagine them to be all knowing, seeing what is going on inside of us, knowing how we are feeling and what we need. We long for them to be our comfort. But people are just like you and me: they have their own needs, and they are limited. People are not ever-present; they are not all-knowing. Only God is. People don’t have perfect, unfailing love. Only God does. God has blessed us with family and friends as a gift from Himself. They have something to offer us. But where people do their little part, God–-only God—can do His big part. When we mix this up, we find ourselves disappointed or offended. I encourage you to let go of any offense and disappointment. Forgive and release them to God. And now, step into the comfort of His presence.
When we limit God to our abilities, our circumstances, or other’s presence we miss out on the comfort and life-changing power of His presence. Faith is living by a different Kingdom, a heavenly reality that is bigger than your circumstances, unlimited in resources. We are children of a good Father, citizens of heaven, heirs of a vast inheritance in Christ. We have access to everything in God’s Kingdom.
This is how Jesus, the Son of God, was able to sleep in a storm and calm it. In Mark 4, Jesus was in a small fishing boat on the sea of Galilee with His disciples and a great wind and rain storm unexpectedly swept over the sea (something common for that geography). The storm was so intense, the boat was filling with water and began to sink. The disciples were freaking out, trying their best to save Jesus. But Jesus wasn’t worried one bit. The situation was life-threatening and yet Jesus was asleep.
He was resting in the promises of God, He was abiding in His Father’s love, He was secure in His identity as a Son, He was sure of God’s faithfulness, He was convinced of His assignment and authority. These realities don’t remove the reality of a storm. The things of the kingdom are super-natural, above and beyond the natural order. When we live by faith, we are not limited to or by the natural realm but are able to overcome according to the higher reality of the Kingdom.
Faith interprets the circumstances differently, through a Kingdom lens.
The disciples saw a storm with their eyes, calculated the threat based on their experience, and concluded death was imminent. But faith interprets the circumstances differently, through a Kingdom lens. Jesus saw the same storm, knew the same threat, but His conclusion was different because of His faith. He interpreted the storm through a lens of the Kingdom. He saw God above the storm. He saw God’s protection. He saw God’s plan for His life. He saw His authority. This is why He could both sleep and speak. Often difficult circumstances and frightening emotions rob us of our sleep and our speech. But follow Jesus’ example. You can rest and sleep because God loves you. And you can rise up and speak to that storm to be quiet and stop because you have the name of Jesus!
Just like Jesus, you are a beloved child of God. Just like Jesus, you have an assignment, and you have authority in His name. Just like Jesus, you are not alone. God is with you.
Trust in the name of Immanuel. See that God is with you even in the storm. That He is the Fourth Man in the fire; that He is the one shutting the mouth of the lion; that He is the one holding back the flood, parting the sea, and making a way. Interpret the storm through a Kingdom lens. Walk by faith and not by sight. Call on His name.
You may feel alone, but God says He is always with you.
It may look like defeat, but God says He will go before you and fight for you.
It may look like lack, but God says He is your Shepherd and that you will not lack.
You may have failed, but God says His calling on your life is irrevocable and that if you confess He forgives every sin.
It may feel like you are lost, but God says He will always lead you into victory.
It may look like everything is against us, but God says He is for you and will answer every prayer.
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*All scriptures are quoted from the New King James Version (NKJV) unless otherwise stated. Emphasizes are mine.
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Pastor David Turner 