Are there times in your life when you look back at a message that you heard or an encouraging word that was spoken to you and think…wow, I really needed that, it was just what I needed.
About a year ago when I was in the middle of some trying times I heard a sermon that told a story about a young lady that has stuck with me and even today when I have a difficult situation or trying day…those words from the story come to mind bringing comfort.
The story goes that during an evangelistic meeting in Ireland many years ago, the speaker was explaining what it means to abide in Christ and to trust Him completely in every trial. Concluding his message, he repeated several times, “It means that in every circumstance you can keep on saying, ‘For this I have Jesus.’ ”
The meeting was then opened for testimonies. One young woman said, “Just a few minutes ago I was handed this telegram. It reads, ‘Mother is very ill; take train home immediately.’ When I saw those words, I knew that tonight’s message was meant just for me. My heart looked up and said, ‘For this I have Jesus.’ Instantly a peace and strength flooded my soul.”
Three or four weeks later the evangelist received a letter from this woman. It read, “Thank you again for the message you gave that day. Life has become an uninterrupted psalm of victory, for I have come to realize that no matter what life brings, for this I have Jesus.”
As I recall those words “for this I have Jesus”, I am reminded of His word in Hebrews 13:5 “…I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you.” He is with us all the time, He is alive and “…is the same yesterday and today and forever.” – Hebrews 13:8
So remember these words when you are in a pinch…feeling down and out…your life is in a valley…”For this I have Jesus!” – “…My grace is sufficient for you…” – 2nd Corinthians 12:9
I am so grateful that we serve a God that is available every minute, every second of the day and wants to meet with us. My prayer is that you will grow in His likeness, spend time in His word, and sit at His feet and listen.
God Bless,
Rick