"Take heart"!
1. He who says "Take heart" is saying to us "I AM"
The disciples were facing a great storm. Jesus came to them walking on the lake. They were afraid. But the moment Jesus said to them in Matt 14:27 "Take courage" (Take heart) It is I. Don't be afraid" the fear left them. When going thru the storms of life, remember JESUS the great I AM. Do not be afraid. You are under my care. No storm can match my power and protection. Take heart because I AM who I AM. He is saying to us today "It is I"!
2. God pays attention to you & you alone
A blind beggar calls out to Jesus to have mercy on him. Many asked him to keep quiet. But Jesus saw him & said to call him near. Mark 10:49 - "Take heart, He is calling you"
Take heart. He sees you. He hears you. His eyes are fixed on you. He is inviting you to draw near to Him. He wants to heal you & bless you. You are not alone in this world. When you are rejected by others, Jesus will not reject you.
3. Your sins are forgiven
Matt 9:2 "Take heart my son, your sins are forgiven". Jesus said this to the paralytic man. Forgiveness of sins sets us free to pursue our healing/deliverance. As we humble ourselves before Him to ask for forgiveness of our anger, hatred & resentment toward others & our sinful actions. He is saying to us "Take heart, your sins are forgiven".
4. You need not rely on yourself anymore
In Matt 9:22 Jesus turn to a woman who had a blood discharge for 12 years. She was reaching out to touch His robe thinking to herself that if she can only touch her robe, she can be healed. He said to her "Take heart, daughter, your faith has made you well". Instantly she was healed!
Take heart - the mention of this phrase alone stirs up our faith to look up at Jesus and focus on His strength & healing power!
5. Your God has already overcome
John 16:33 "I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart, I have overcome the world"
Jesus is saying as long as we in the world we will face all kinds of challenges but don't give up. In the face of pain, hardship, frustration, betrayal, financial lack, physical sickness - His triumph at the Cross will eventually be worked into every nook & cranny of our lives.
The One who has overcome is at work in our affliction preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond our expectation.
Take heart. Take courage. Do not fear!
(Summarized from Desiring God - article by David Mathis. Verses from NIV)
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