HE KNOWS!

HE KNOWS!

Isa 63:9

9 In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.

This group was originally made up of members of Calvary Baptist Church in Bowie, Texas for the purpose of alerting them electronically regarding prayer requests. There is now a separate list for prayer alerts and the devotionals go out to 106 subscribers. Some of those subscribers are missionaries in various places around the world. The scripture portion for today lets us know that our loving God knows and feels all our affliction.

He knows the misery and pain of illness! About three years ago I suffered a long stretch of illness. In fact the doctor said I might have died. Beyond the physical pain and discomfort of the illness itself, there was the fact that I was required to temporarily assign my duties to others or else leave them undone. There were the sleepless nights and the inactivity and loneliness of the long days while my body recovered. I become needy and feared that I was a burden to others. I become concerned that important things would nor fare well without my personal attention. I felt helpless and weak.

He knows what it is like to be poor! The pain of unemployment or “underemployment” has brought some to difficult circumstances. He knows what it is like to have nowhere to lay His head. He knows what it is like to draw coins from the fishes’ mouth, to scrape the bottom of the barrel for meal and to drain the cruse of oil of its last drop. He knows when the rent is due and the faces of our children show the pinch of deprivation. He feels it too!

He knows the pain of unfriendly friends! He knows what it is like to see a multitude of followers dwindle to a handful. He has asked “Will ye also go away?” (John 6:66) He knows what it is like to stand upon principles and lose companions because of it – or simply to have those leave your company who expected a product you were not manufacturing. He knows what it is like to be “unfriended.”

He knows the struggle of temptation! He has felt the pang of hunger and desire and declared that man shall not live by bread alone. He was in all points tempted like we are – yet without sin.

Dear Jesus, I can face the afflictions of this day at least knowing that you know. Thank you for being my companion in trials and the abundant provision of my need. Come quickly to help when we need you. AMEN