Deliverance Comes From An Awesome God

Psalms 66

During a time of severe tornadoes and thunderstorms, I was driving my daughter home from the doctor. With the awesome display of nature before our eyes she naturally became edgy. She asked what I would do if a tornado came to our house. I said to her: I will "lift up my eyes unto the hills-- where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth (Psalm 121:1-2). What else could one do if a tornado approached? Heather's response was memorable: "No, Daddy, I mean your backup plan! In her own way, she demonstrated remarkable understanding of the sovereign nature of God - It's His creation and He is in control of it. At the same time, she knew of the responsibility of man. These two work hand in hand. But always understand, your plan is the BACKUP plan - steps performed while led by the Spirit of God!

When you look around at your life, what do you see that you need to be delivered from? Perhaps there is a physical ailment. Some of you might have faced a major calamity; indeed, at least one couple in our class survived the tornado last week going through their apartment complex. Still others of you may need deliverance from a bad job or have, frankly, a bad marriage relationship. These are all circumstances - problems in the here and now. No doubt these problems are real and difficult to face. The child of God knows in his heart that they are "light and momentary troubles" and yet we struggle with them. Few of you might admit it publicly but you may need deliverance from uncontrolled anger, from lust, from worry, from depression, or drunkenness. What help is their in the Bible about these battles we face?
 

Come and see what God has done, how awesome his works in man's behalf! He turned the sea into dry land, they passed through the waters on foot-- come, let us rejoice in him. He rules for-ever by his power, his eyes watch the nations-- let not the rebellious rise up against him. Selah  (Psalm 66:5-7, NIV)

God chooses to deliver us FROM battle on occasion. This is to His Glory! As David remembered the Israelites facing a fast approacing army from Egypt, He thought of the hopelessness of the situation. The Israelites were quite literally "up against the wall" of the Red Sea. God led them into this situation. They had three "natural" responses: despair at their situation, acquiesce to a bad situation and be enslaved again, or fight knowing they would lose. Moses gave them a fourth "supernatural" response: faith in Almighty God. When God takes you as far as YOU can go, He is faithful to deliver you from where YOU cannot go. God's parting of the Red Sea was dramatic and a way to point the Israelites to faith in Him. The closing of the waters on the Egyptian army should have sealed any doubts they had about His care for them.

The cords of death entangled me; the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me. The cords of the grave coiled around me; the snares of death confronted me. In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears. (Psalm 18:4-6, NIV)

What will you do in the face of death? David cries out to God, "LORD" which is the translation of God's personal name. David does not cry out to some invisible force; He cries out for deliverance IN battle to the Lord God he knows PERSONALLY. Can you honestly say you have ever personally cried out to the Lord Jesus Christ and asked Him save you? If not, you do not know Him personally. Facing "the cords of death" will be a hopeless experience. If you have trusted Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, then you have a most wonderful life, even in the face of death. The Lord God is personally involved in your life and will deliver you from your battle with circumstances or enslavement to a particular vice. You must trust Him and be obedient to His word. David went to the right place knowing that God was fully capable of delivering him. This is faith - confidence in God's character. He will not allow a single event in your life that is more that you and He cannot bear together. Though it is hard to understand "To the faithful, You show Yourself faithful" (Psalm 18:25). God is indeed trustworthy! Consider:

For you, O God, tested us; you REFINED us like silver. You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. You let men ride over our heads; we went THROUGH fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance. (Psalm 66:10-12, NIV)

Our Creator God loves you and wants you to know Him! If you would like to contact this ministry for further information or questions, please send your e-mail to:
Email: ministryrequest1@WordTruth.Com
Web Site: WordTruth.Com

Copyright 1999, Randy Lariscy.