March 17, 2025
Beloved children of God in Christ. I greet and bless you all in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The Bible says in Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.”
There are three things the Lord is promising today through this verse.
Firstly, God is our refuge. In recent days, what problems have you been struggling to handle or overcome? No matter what the issue is—whether related to your job, ministry, income, or a court case—fall before the Lord, who is your refuge, and submit it to Him. Secondly, God is our strength. To those who say, “I do not even have the strength to speak, lift an object, or walk,” today, the resurrected power of Jesus is descending upon you as you read this message, delivering you from all sickness. Thirdly, in times of trouble, God is a very present help. Whatever is troubling you or putting you in danger, the Lord will help you and show you favor. He will come and stand with you to support you.
The Bible says, “Like birds flying about, so will the Lord of hosts defend Jerusalem.” According to this, God not only defends but also delivers His people. On that day, when Jonah was trapped in the belly of the fish, he cried out to the Lord. In that moment of danger, when the fish swallowed him and he was on the verge of death, he looked to God and wailed. He looked to God and pleaded. He looked to God, praised Him, made a vow, and prayed. Because of this, the fish safely vomited him onto the shore.
In his time of trouble, the Lord revealed Himself as a very present help to Jonah. Without any harm, God protected him and brought him ashore. Likewise, in your life, without any harm or loss, the Lord will bring you ashore.
Testimony from Sister Punitha, Chennai
“My husband suffered a stroke, which left one side of his body paralyzed. His hands and legs lost function, and he became very weak. I participated in the Anbarin Paathathil fasting prayer, and after the meeting, Brother Stephen prayed for him. Through that powerful prayer, the Lord heard and answered. Now, my husband’s paralyzed hand and leg are functioning normally, and he is completely healthy. The Lord alone was our very present help in times of trouble—He protected and healed my husband. I give thanks to God!” Even today, according to today’s promise verse, those of you who have come to the Lord for refuge—the Lord will give you new strength, He will be a very present help, and He will do great things in your life.
Prayer:
Loving Lord, we thank You. I thank You for Your merciful hand descending upon the children who are reading this. Thank You for coming to help and support them. Let all their problems be transformed as they seek refuge in You, just as Ruth took refuge in You and received a full reward—a life partner, children, and an abundant life. I pray for those who are sick and weak—Lord, touch and heal them. Let paralyzed hands and legs begin to function again. Let kidneys start functioning well. Let damaged internal organs be restored and work properly. Lord, break every barrier and perform miracles in their lives. Especially, may Your help and protection be upon them during their times of crisis. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
