Psalm 34:5
‘They looked unto Him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed.’

DAILY READING – Revelation 20; Isaiah 7-8; Psalm 110

The book, titled, ‘On This Day’, tells the story of Missionaries Dick and Margaret Hillis who were caught in China during the Japanese invasion, just before the start of World War II. At this most difficult moment, on January 15, 1941, Dick Hillis developed appendicitis and had to be rushed to a hospital in another town.

His wife, Margaret, was left behind with their children in the inland village of Shenkiu, where they lived. As the news of Japanese invasion began to spread, people in the town began to plan to evacuate. Margaret knew her small children would not survive in refugee camp so she elected to stay back despite the threat of being captured by the invading Japanese. She decided to put her trust in God and believe Him for their deliverance.

In her home was a scriptural calendar, which had a scripture verse for each date. Early the next morning, she read the new day’s Scripture verse. It was Psalm 56:3, which reads “What time I am afraid, I will trust Thee”. During that day, the residents of the town, afraid of the rumored Japanese invasion, all fled, leaving only Margaret and her two children behind.

The next morning, Margaret could hear the sound of approaching gunfire. She didn’t know how they would get food. Again, she tore off the calendar page and read that day’s verse, which was, Genesis 50:21, and it reads, “I will nourish you and your little ones”. That day, surprisingly, two people appeared at her door with fresh goat’s milk and fresh eggs.

In the morning of January 19, 1941, again she tore off the calendar page and the verse for the new day was Psalm 56:9. It reads, “When I cry unto Thee, shall my enemies turn back.” The battle was looking closer and that night Margaret didn’t go to bed. Invasion was imminent. However, the next morning, January 20, 1941, in the place of the sounds of war all was quiet. The Japanese army was retreating. No one could understand it – The danger had passed!

Soon after that, the villagers began returning to the town. Margaret realized that through the calendar, she had been reading the handwritten message of the Lord to her. God had stood by her and proved Himself faithful.

We can always trust the faithfulness of God. He knows how to show up when we need Him most. As long as we remain connected to His Word, though we may walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we will emerge triumphant. As we keep looking into His Word, we will never suffer defeat or shame.

Psalm 34:5 says, ‘‘They looked unto Him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed.’

The more we look to Jesus and sow the seed of His Word into our hearts, the more we will reap a harvest of blessings, miracles, signs and wonders. Looking into the Word imparts faith into our heart, which enables us to act with boldness, even in the face of contrary situations.

Faith in God made David to take a sling and go after Goliath, when the whole army of Israel was running away from him. Faith in God gives us the tenacity to withstand any trial and not run away from the battle. As long as you have faith, you will always overcome the world.

Through the shield of faith, we are able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. [Ephesians 6:16]. If you have taken the time to acquire faith through constant study of the Word of God, whenever you face challenges, the Holy Spirit will keep quickening Scriptures to your heart.

Isaiah 59:19 says when the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of God will lift up a standard against him. The standard the Spirit lifts is the Word of God. When the light of God’s Word dominates our heart, we will always triumph over every plan of the enemy..

2 Corinthians 2:14 says: ‘Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of His knowledge by us in every place.’

Indeed, God deserves our thanksgiving and praise for always causing us to triumph. Whatever you may be facing today, be assured that God has destined you to emerge triumphant. Though it may seem as if Pharaoh and his army are bearing down on you, God has a plan to drown that Pharaoh in the red sea for your sake. No matter how fearful the battle, God is watching over you and organizing your rescue. He will certainly see you through and give you the victory at last.

Just keep praising and keep blessing Him for His faithfulness. As you do, He will certainly cause you to be more than a conqueror over every challenge.

PRAYER
Lord, please help me to always focus on Your Word and Your promises over my life. I know that You are in perfect control of every situation I may face and as I continue to praise You, You will exceed all my expectations in Jesus’ Name.

QUOTE
The treasures of God are never on the shallow end, but are always buried in the depth of God’s Word. It takes a personal discovery to get there. – WORDBITE 222