July 19, 2022

Hello Advent Family,

Have you ever been on a team where you were supremely confident because of who was on your team?  I once challenged a buddy to doubles tennis and he was a better player than me.  I knew I was going to win because at the time my sister was dating a guy who played professional tennis and he was going to be my partner.  I knew that I couldn’t lose.  I witnessed this yesterday at summer camp as kids were playing games and one team was saying we are going to win because we have Christian on our team.  The other team was complaining that they wanted him on their team so that they could win.  God reminds us throughout scripture that He is on our team.  Let’s look together at one such passage in Isaiah 41.

“But you, Israel, my servant,
    Jacob, whom I have chosen,
    you descendants of Abraham my friend,

I took you from the ends of the earth,
    from its farthest corners I called you.
I said, ‘You are my servant’;
    I have chosen you and have not rejected you.

So do not fear, for I am with you;
    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

“All who rage against you
    will surely be ashamed and disgraced;
those who oppose you
    will be as nothing and perish.

Though you search for your enemies,
    you will not find them.
Those who wage war against you
    will be as nothing at all.

For I am the Lord your God
    who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
    I will help you.

Do not be afraid, you worm Jacob,
    little Israel, do not fear,
for I myself will help you,” declares the Lord,
    your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

God is reminding us that we will prevail because He is on our team.  He has our back.  That truth should give us confidence as we journey through life.  God is on your team!  You can boldly share His love with the world knowing that He is with you each and every step of the way.  He is with us at our jobs, as we struggle through challenging situations, even as we play or engage in our hobbies (although He hasn’t offered any help in my short game in golf).  God is with you, always.

In His Grip,
Pastor Dave

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