“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep.”
Memory verse: “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.” Proverbs 18:10
Many times as humans, we make decisions based on how safe we feel, we try to measure our risks and do all to edge against a sad ending and this is why we see organizations doing a risk profile before venturing into things and based on the results derived from the risk analysis on a cost benefit basis, they reach a decision to either progress or discard the venture. However, despite all those preparation and initial analysis some risk cannot be avoided and in situations like that, measures are put in place on how to accept the risk and manage them while progressing with normal business activities.
Few years ago, I was preparing for a house move and top my priority list was the safety of the environment. I began searching online for crime rates statistics in the area and even went further analyzing the year on year increase or decrease of crime in my chosen areas. Asides just moving home, safety was at the top of my priority list as I was keen to ensure my family lived in a safe environment.
Interestingly things around the world change very quickly and despite all those initial analysis, all that needs to happen for a place to suddenly become unsafe is few people moving into that environment and the whole profile changes again. With this I understood even clearly what the bible says in Psalm 91 that “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”
Whiles we may have everything in place, every tower built is only as weak as we ourselves. The peace of mind we think we get from everything material is temporary and we are just like the man who built his whole house on a sand. According to the scriptures, He build the house on sand “and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.” Matthew 7:27
True safety can only be found in Christ. He is the only one capable of protecting you from all the unfortunate events the devil has planned and scheduled in the future. Either we like it or not, the wolf will come with attempts to destroy us but we can be protected by the God the Good Shepard “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” John 10:10
It’s time to get understanding and refocus on what’s truly important. Jesus is “the only way” and no other name has been given power to save and deliver except the name “Jesus” Acts 4:11-12.
PRAYERS
- Father I thank you for your word which gives life and understanding to the simple
- I declare and re-announce you as my personal Lord and Savior
- I pledge my trust in you absolutely. I renounce every trust in man
- Help me not to lean on my own understanding but to acknowledge you in all my ways and surrender all to you.
- Help me to trust in you totally and not waver in my faith or belief.
- Forgive me Lord of all my iniquities, bless me abundantly and make me a blessing unto others, in Jesus mighty name I pray, Amen.