Christianity Oasis Forum

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February 5 | Bible in a Year: Exodus 36-38; Matthew 23:1-22

Hold Steady


READ ISAIAH 41:10–13
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I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand.
Isaiah 41:13
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Harriet Tubman was one of the great American heroes of the nineteenth century. Showing remarkable courage, she guided more than three hundred fellow slaves to freedom after she first escaped slavery by crossing into free territory in the United States North. Not content to simply enjoy her own freedom, she ventured back into slave states nineteen times to lead friends, family, and strangers to freedom, sometimes guiding people on foot all the way to Canada.

What drove Tubman to such brave action? A woman of deep faith, she at one time said this: “I always told God, I’m going to hold steady on you, and you’ve got to see me through.” Her dependence on God’s guidance as she led people out of slavery was a hallmark of her success.

What does it mean to “hold steady” to God? A verse in the prophecy of Isaiah might help us see that in reality it’s He who holds us as we grab His hand. Isaiah quotes God, who said, “I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you” (41:13).

Harriet held tightly to God, and He saw her through. What challenges are you facing? Hold steady to God as He “takes hold” of your hand and your life. “Do not fear.” He will help you.
By Dave Branon
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**REFLECT & PRAY
Father in heaven, life is hard when I try to do it alone, so I need Your help. Please come alongside me in my greatest challenges and help me know I’m not alone. Learn to face life’s challenges through your study of Soul Care.

~~What’s your biggest challenge right now? What can you do or say to let God know you trust Him?

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.SCRIPTURE INSIGHT<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<,
Isaiah 41:10-13 begins with a call to courage: “Do not fear.” But this call isn’t an exhortation to “dig deep” and find the grit and determination to keep going. God doesn’t call anyone to forge ahead on their own. Instead, the summons is followed with these encouraging words: “I am with you” (v. 10). This phrase is repeated throughout Scripture, and is intended to give strength and courage. God said these words to Moses when he was sent back to Egypt to speak to Pharaoh (Exodus 3:12). And Jesus spoke these words to His disciples when He commissioned them to go into the world to spread the knowledge of the kingdom of God and to make disciples (Matthew 28:20). God’s dwelling with humanity came in Jesus (Immanuel). He now indwells believers in Christ through the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9; Ephesians 2:22; 1 John 4:15-16). J.R. Hudberg

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