God’s care is so evident and clear. We’re living proof of that. I wasn’t thinking of asking for testimonies until I got up here, but God laid it on my heart. Those of you who spoke are witnesses of God’s care.
Isaiah 59:1 “Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear.”
God’s hand is always long enough, strong enough, and present with us. His hand is not shortened that it cannot reach and save us. When Peter was sinking in the water, he was probably floundering. Jesus reached out to him when Peter cried “Lord, save me.” Jesus has power to walk on water and reach out to us whatever our need. Regardless of what it is and if we’re willing to trust, by his hand God can save us.
In order for Jesus to save Peter his hand had to reach him. He pulled him up and made sure he got in the boat. The Lord’s hand is still within reach. He’s not slack. We’re still serving a big God whose arms are long enough. His hand can take care of all our needs. I can look at this congregation and see that God touched each of us in the past year. He cared for us physically and spiritually.
The other truth is God’s ear in not so heavy that he can’t hear. He’s not lost the ability to hear; his ear isn’t full of wax or water. It’s not plugged up. He hears more than we think and sometimes more than we want. When we pray he may not answer the way we want or when we want, but he hears us and sees our faith.
The Lord may get aggravated at our repetitious way of praying. Our same old prayers, like immature children, may do that, but he hears. However, sin will get between us and God. Verse 2 says “but your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” Sin becomes a barrier to his speaking and reaching out. It corrupts and takes away assurance.
Take inventory. David said “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Take away anything that might hinder the Lord from reaching and hearing. God forbid that we let anything block his hand or his ear.
Pray “Just a closer walk with Thee, Grant it, Jesus, is my plea, Daily walking close to Thee, Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.”
Go on, speak to Him, and reach up.
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 