Encouragement

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Nothing To Fear (John 10:11-12)

“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.”

Jesus is the “Good Shepherd” and He explained to His disciples that we could know the “good” shepherd from the “bad” shepherd because of the care and love in action. The other shepherd abandons ship when the going gets tough because he feels no sense of care or duty towards the sheep, but the Good Shepherd loves sacrificially, laying aside His own desires and His very life. He truly cares about His sheep because they are His own. He “birthed” them into their life in Him and drew them out of darkness into His marvelous light. Jesus willingly laid down His life for you and me. He went to the cross knowing what it would mean, so that you and I could be forgiven and free. It is easy to distinguish between the voice of the Good Shepherd and any other voice, because the Good Shepherd’s voice speaks love, compassion and mercy. It is an expression of the heart of God. “No greater love has any man than this, that he should lay down His life for His friends” (John 15:13).

Today the voice of the Lord reminds us that He loves us unconditionally, completely and selflessly. He always has and always will! There is nothing that can separate us from His undying love. He is willing to give everything and asks for nothing in return. It is easy to see the Good Shepherd in someone who seeks to give rather than to take, someone who brings the love, care, compassion and covering of the Good Shepherd. It is someone who will reach out a hand to the world, and who builds up, instead of tearing down. The Good Shepherd nurtures, nourishes and protects from danger. He gives and does not count the cost. He never abandons the sheep or lets them feel afraid. He is always by their side because He has promised to never leave them!

It is possible that you may be looking at your present circumstances with sadness or regret. Maybe you were disappointed by people you trusted and leaned on, people who should have protected and nurtured you. Perhaps you have been feeling that even God has let you down or that He has not answered your prayers. Stop for a moment and remember what Jesus has done for you. He took the punishment that was ours. He gave His very life that we might go free. No one else could have done what He did, and He did it willingly for you and me. If God could give up His only Son for our salvation, freedom and wholeness, then there is nothing He would ever hold back from us – His love is so deep and so complete. (Romans 8:32).

Today in Jesus’ name, I break the spirit of abandonment off your heart and mind. I break the cycle of disappointment from your life. Know that you are fully covered, fully protected, and fully surrounded by the presence of the Lord. The Shepherd paid the ultimate price to bring you in – He gave His life. Now you can live in the assurance of His love, fully secure in the fact that He will never abandon you or let the wolf come near you. The enemy cannot touch you because the mighty powerful presence of God is with you. Draw near to Jesus; you have nothing to fear when the Shepherd is near!

“My precious child, when I laid down My life, it was all for you. It was because I love you. When you gave Me your life, we became one, united forever in a covenant of love. I am always, always with you.”

Minoli Haththotuwa, 10 November 2014
www.risingonwings.org

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