Matthew 10:16-20
“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as
snakes and as innocent as doves. Be on your guard; you will be handed over
to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues. On my account
you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to
the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or
how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it
will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through
you.”
God is with me.
A crowd gathered for the varsity boys’ game. On the opposite
side of the gym from us, the opposing team’s fans came together. A sea of blue
filled the bleachers, except for one lone soul dressed in gold and black (our
team colors.) When I noticed the fellow dressed in different colors, my
first thought was sympathy. A fan for our team sat amidst the opposing fans,
but then I wondered if he wore those colors without thinking about what everyone
else was wearing.
I’ll never know the answer, but the visual reminded me of folks
who stand alone in their faith or are on their own in their circumstances.
Missionaries go to places where they may be the only ones who believe in Jesus,
and they are responsible for living a life of faith. Teachers stand before classes
and work so hard to instill a love of learning in their students. Ministers sometimes
feel alone, even surrounded by many.
I’m sure the apostles felt singled out and on their own many
times. Jesus sent them out without earthly possessions and asked them to go to towns less
than welcoming. They traveled and taught about Jesus, even though they could be
flogged or end up in jail. What did the apostles know that kept them going? God
was with them. They were not alone. The Holy Spirit dwelled in their hearts.
Writing is a solitary activity, but I know beyond a doubt,
God is beside me as I write. He’s with me when I’m tired, disappointed, excited,
happy, broken, or weary. No matter what my circumstances may be, God stands
with me, picks me up, heals my heart, and keeps me going. For that, I am so
thankful.
God is with His people, even when we feel alone.
