The Warranty

 " O Lord, I am oppressed, be my security." Isaiah 38:14

The above Scripture tells me two things. First, in this fallen world, the needs and affairs of life can oppress us with their urgency. Physically, financially, emotionally, and spiritually. The "what if's" of what might befall us, and the "how can we" questions concerning how we will deal with what "might" happen can be overwhelming. This has been made crystal clear by the devastations of those regions impacted by the floods of early autumn and the current wildfires of Southern California. 

Right now, we are in the midst of an historic run of arctic weather. The strain and possible breakdown of furnaces and HVAC's, coupled with the enormous costs of energy in just trying to stay warm, are crippling a great number of households. I, and so many others, have been praying for those affected by the floods and fires, and for those persevering through this brutal winter. It's easy for fear to permeate our thoughts and even our prayers. It robs us of our peace, our joy, and our hope. It was in my thinking on these things that the Lord spoke to me. He whispered into my spirit the thought, "I am your Warranty."

Now, God is not a protection plan or an insurance policy. He is, however, a covering, a wall about His people. It's not that He keeps us from the effects of fires, floods, and dangerous weather. It's that He is right there with us as they happen. Here, in the midst of a winter far more severe than this part of Virginia generally knows, I found myself wondering if my aging HVAC would hold up? Would my pipes remain unfrozen? How huge were my energy bills going to be? All these thoughts were increasing in their oppression. That's when He spoke. That's when He assured me that He was my "warranty." A Protector who was covering me no matter what might happen. A Protector who took the sting out of every fear. A Protector who said no matter the degree of need, He would be Present. He would Provide. He would Protect. Even if the worst should take place, He would not leave me alone. He would bring me through. Like the disciples in the storm on the sea, He'd get me to the other side.

We forget this so easily. The witness of my life is that there is no place that circumstances may leave me that He will not show Himself mighty. There is no place where He will not "come and save me." I may lose everything. I have been in such a place before. I will never lose Him. He will show Himself mighty on my behalf...again. Always. I can be at rest no matter what may befall.

Wherever you are, let His whisper speak to your heart and mind. He covers you and nothing that could ever happen will diminish that truth. He speaks to the oppression "be still." It has to obey. Trust Him. Rest in Him. Hope in Him. He will not disappoint. He covers you.

Blessings,
Pastor O