Exodus 33:14 ‘And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.’
DAILY READING – 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; 1 Kings 14; Joel 2:1-11
It is said that no country has given so many missionaries to Africa as has Scotland. And one of these sons of Scotland given to Africa as a missionary was Dr. David Livingstone.
As a young Christian, David Livingstone had just completed his medical education, involving two years of study in Glasgow and had a lot of prospects. However, when he went to hear an address by a celebrated missionary, Robert Moffat, all his plans for the future changed. As he listened to Moffat’s stirring appeals on behalf of Africa, speaking of “the smoke of a thousand villages where no missionary has ever been”, Livingstone became convinced that the “dark continent” was where he had been called to blaze a trail for the Gospel.
Later he believed he heard the Voice of The Lord saying: “Go! Preach and explore the unknown continent. Make disciples and open a way for the Gospel.”
At that point it seemed an impossible assignment to Livingstone, but again He heard the Lord say to him: “You will never be alone and you have nothing to fear. Lo, I am with you all the way.”
And so on Nov. 17, 1840, David bade farewell to his family and headed for Africa.
This promise of The Lord never to leave him held good and the Presence of God never failed him.
Often times when he found himself in danger and it seemed his end was near, he would open his tin box, bring out his Bible and read the precious passage in Mathew 28 where Jesus said ‘All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations — and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.’
Miraculously God continually preserved him and kept him from all harm. Later, while on his first visit to Scotland, he was the recipient of the degree of Doctor of Laws at the University of Glasgow. As he stood before the convocation audience to speak, his body showed all too clearly the evidences of his journey in Africa; including more than thirty attacks of tropical fever. His left arm, crushed under the lion’s teeth, hung stiffly at his side. The great assembly was awed to silence and melted to tears as he related his experiences and then announced his impending return to Africa. “But I return,” he said, “without misgiving and with gladness of heart. What has supported me through all the years was this: ‘Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world!’ On those words I staked everything and they never failed! I was never left alone.”
Indeed the presence of God makes all the difference. The secret of success, victory and unusual exploits that anointed servants of God achieve in life, is in the fact that God’s presence is always with them.
Today, as we journey through a world filled with growing fears and uncertainties, we need God’s Presence more than ever before. And the key to carrying God’s Presence is maintaining a lifestyle of holiness, diligent study of The Word, prayer and constant praise and thanksgiving
Psalm 22:3 says that God inhabits the praises of His people.
When the Israelites embarked on the journey to the promise land, it looked like an impossible mission. But Moses understood the secret of carrying God’s Presence. In Exodus 33, he prayed God to go with them. And in Exodus 33:14, God said to him ‘My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.’
Indeed it was God’s Presence that made all the difference in their journey.
Though the Israelites, encountered many obstacles in the way, according to Psalm 144, God’s Presence made all the obstacles including the red sea to clear away from before them. Today, you may have situations in your health, finances, relationships, that may seem like obstacles, though the odds may seem high, be rest assured that the God who parted the red sea is still alive today. Those obstacles may look insurmountable, but it is no match for the living God.
When God parted the Red Sea and the Israelites went through on dry ground, Pharaoh and his men knew that the Israelites served the living God. Likewise, God wants to do amazing miracles in your life and make you an example of His goodness. Indeed we can experience God’s wonders through praise.
just like God drove out bigger and stronger nations before the Israelites, whatever is trying to hinder you today, God is able to drive them out. God’s Presence will preserve you from every plague of these end-times and give you the victory on all sides. As you begin to praise and thank Him, His presence will make all the difference. You are going to see increase, restoration, healing, breakthroughs, and amazing favour. It doesn’t matter what may be going on in the world, just keep your switch of praise turned on. And as you do, God will keep taking you from victory to victory, from strength to strength and from glory to glory in Jesus Name.
PRAYER: Father, today, I choose to remain ever grateful and continually give You the praise, glory and honor for all Your doings in my life. I indeed judge You faithful and will bless Your Name at all times in Jesus’ Name.
Quote :
The tests you are going through in life today is not for your destruction, it is for your testimony. – WORDBITE 222