TEXT: Isaiah 54:4
PREACHER: Pastor Bodunrin Timothy
Everyone needs help sometimes, but not all help feels helpful. Some comes with strings attached.
The account of Genesis chapter 29 to 30 is a typical illustration of help with strings attached. Laban appeared to help Jacob by giving him work and a place to stay, but his help was self-serving, manipulative and humiliating. Laban prolonged Jacob’s years of service to his advantage and short-changed his wages.
Human help most times makes us feel indebted or ashamed. But God’s help and uplifting comes without adding sorrow. (Proverbs 10:22)
Proverbs 10:22
22 The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.
WHAT THE HELP OF GOD IS AND IS NOT
God’s help is not a trade or transaction. It is an extension of His grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). The account of Luke 15 reveals the father’s unconditional love. The prodigal son restoration demonstrated God’s non-transactional nature.
Ephesians 2:8-9
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
God’s help is accompany with peace and not sorrow. (Philippians 4:6-7). Often, we fear asking for help because of what it might cost us later. But God’s help comes with peace.
Philippians 4:6-7
6 Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
God’s help removes shame. (Luke 1:25)
Luke 1:25)
25 Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.
WAYS GOD WILL COME THROUGH FOR YOU IN THIS SEASON OF HELP
He will use your enemies to announce you to the world. (Gen 37:28)
Gen 37:28
28 Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.
He will cause your good deeds to be remembered. (Esther 6:2-3).
2 And it was found written, that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh,