Connected — He Carried You!
The Bible employs vivid imagery to illustrate the theme of the LORD’s care that has been extended toward His people. Our connection with Christ demonstrates the depth of the relief, peace and safety that comes as a result of His carrying us. Upon reviewing historical accounts of His people of faith, we can observe God’s intervention, who descends to gather them as a shepherd gathers lambs in His embrace. When Israel came out of Egypt and entered into the wilderness wanderings, the LORD carried His people on eagles’ wings and brought them to Himself, (Exodus 19:4).
In Deuteronomy 1:31 God told them, “Do not be terrified, or afraid… The LORD your God, Who goes before you, He will fight for you… in the wilderness you saw how the LORD your God carried you, as a man carries his son, in all the way that you went until you came to this place.”
God wants to show you how He has carried you and brought you through every situation you have faced.
It would be beneficial to take a quick review of God’s care for His people.
To understand their connection and how God carried His people, consider some of the notable characters that are mentioned in Hebrews 11.
Enoch had such a wonderful connection with God that one day God took him physically so he did not see death.
When everyone else had been corrupted on the earth, Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord because he was a just man and walked with God, (Genesis 6:8-9). He and his family were preserved as a result of that connection.
Abraham obeyed when God called him to go to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. Because he walked by faith in God’s word, his heritage is as innumerable as the sand by the seashore.
The life of Issac, Jacob and Joseph shows how God carries those who are connected by faith. When they believed God, they were carried along through all kinds of situations into the blessings and favor that God promised.
The story of Moses is filled with the blessing, power and presence of God who carried him along and through him brought about the deliverance of God’s people.
Go through Hebrews 11 and you will see the stories of Joshua, Rahab, Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David and Samuel and the prophets. Through faith and trust in almighty God, they found the joy and power of God carrying them along.
Hebrews 11:33 NKJV Who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
Hebrews 11:34-35 NKJV quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again.
Their witness conveys the profound impact of divine intervention in their victories in battle, deliverance, and the restoration of strength during times of weakness. Yet, others found God’s power and connection sufficient to carry them through their trial, temptation, persecution and even death. As a result of their continued connection and faith, a better reward and resurrection awaits them. All of these serve as a great cloud of witnesses of God’s blessing and favor on those who continue holding on in faith and trust. Keep reminding yourself of the power of the One Who is carrying you.
Through Christ, God has provided something better for us, (Hebrews 11:40).
He is the Author and Finisher of your faith. He is the Source and Substance of your strength. By Him and through Him you have life, hope, and a future.
God wants you to know that He has been carrying you all of your days.
Isaiah 46:3–4 NCV “…listen to me! All you people…who are still alive, listen! I have carried you since you were born; I have taken care of you from your birth. Even when you are old, I will be the same. Even when your hair has turned gray, I will take care of you. I made you and will take care of you. I will carry you and save you.
The great number of witnesses throughout the Bible shows us that this is true. You cannot only trust the connection, you can know that the Lord is carrying and helping you. God is faithful, by Whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, (1 Corinthians 1:9).
Isaiah 40:10-11 NKJV Behold, the Lord God shall come with a strong hand, And His arm shall rule for Him; Behold, His reward is with Him, And His work before Him. He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, And carry them in His bosom…
Jesus Christ has taken you in. In His cross, suffering, and death Jesus carried your griefs and sorrows. All of your transgressions and iniquities were laid upon Him so that you may be forgiven and cleansed. He was beaten and severely punished so you could have peace. He took stripes on His back so you could be healed.