December 27, 1998, Sunday

Do you believe in the concept to win at any cost or is

there another consideration? When you are surrounded by

difficult circumstances should you give up? What is the

assurance that you need to continue in your situation?

After an all-night struggle with God, Jacob was able to

prevail against his old nature. His reputation was that

of a deceiver. However he won the companionship and

the blessing of God by his vigilant, violent night of prayer-

"What is your name?" the man asked. "Jacob," he answered.

  The Man said, "Your name will no longer be Jacob. You

have struggled with God and with men, and you have won;

so your name will be Israel" (Gen 32:27-28). He previously

had won a blessing from his father by deceit, but this time he

won the blessing of God by prevailing prayer.

Isaiah counseled and prophesied for King Ahaz of Israel

when he was troubled about his enemies around Jerusalem.

Ahaz was reminded by Isaiah that God is true to His word

and promise. That from the line of David, a Branch would

shoot up, His name would be Jesus; He will never leave us-

"Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold,

the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call

His name Immanuel" (Isa 7:14). Ahaz then trusted God

to give him victory because he knew God was with him.

An angel spoke with Joseph when he was about to decide not

to take Mary as his wife when he discovered her pregnant--

"Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son,

and they shall call His name Immanuel," which is translated,

"God with us" (Mat 1:23). He was comforted by the fact that

God revealed it was the work and miracle of the Holy Spirit

that she was pregnant and that God would be with them.

Let us remember who is the God that is always with us. God's

name is Jehová Shammah. He is the God that is our Companion.

His fellowship is our joy and confidence. He is our Counselor.

When we do not have an answer in difficult times, He gives us

the answer. Jehova Shammah is our Comforter. When we are

suffering, He comforts us with with His reassurance. He gives

more grace according to His promise. Lift your hands to Him

and Praise Him today for the fact that He is the God that

is always with us, our Immanuel!