“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14

I was introduced to Jesus at a very young age. My mom has tape recordings of me reciting Bible verses when I was just learning to talk.  There isn’t a time that I can’t remember hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit in my heart.  I’m so thankful for that. 

My kids also speak of Jesus very personally.  When my oldest was very little, my husband and I would ask her where Jesus was, and she would point to random corners of the house. Our middle child talks to Jesus like they have been friends his whole little life.  His prayers are deep and personal. In his mind, there’s nothing too big or too small to ask of God.  And our youngest tells us every night as we tuck him into bed and we all say prayers, “Mommy, Jesus is in the bathroom brushing His teeth.”  I believe it.  I believe that little ones can feel His presence and see Him with spiritual eyes because of their childlike faith. 

Oh, to have the faith of a child! The worry-free trust that everything will be taken care of in its time.  

The truth of His Word rings in my heart and mind as the Spirit reminds me that He is always with us.  The name that Isaiah prophesied about Jesus is that His name would be called Emmanuel. Emmanuel (or Immanuel) is a Hebrew name meaning “God with us.” Immanu (with us) and El (God).  This is so significant for believers because it was first prophesied in Isaiah 7:14 and fulfilled in Matthew 1:18-23.

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly. But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Now all this ]took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet:  “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us.” 

He is God with us!

Jesus reminded the disciples, as He was returning to the Father, that He would never leave them, and that promise is for us too. 

“. . .and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20

He was again declaring His deity in saying this and unifying Himself with the Father, as in an Old Testament promise in Deuteronomy, when Moses encouraged Joshua to carry out the Lord’s command to take possession of the Promised Land.

“The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8

Again, in the very next book of the Bible, Joshua, God repeats these words to Joshua as they carry out God’s commands.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

His promise is true.  He is always with us, carrying us, teaching us, protecting and providing for us.  In anything we face, He will get the glory, and He’s going to work it out for our good. 

Last year, my daughter experienced God’s presence firsthand.  It was an undeniable event when she was all alone, and she needed Him to act swiftly on her behalf.  If I’m honest, my very first thought and words were, “God, why? Why did my daughter have to experience this dark moment?” But the Spirit lovingly corrected my thoughts and helped me take them captive to Christ in that moment, and I repented of my unbelief in His faithfulness to sustain us in all that we face in this broken world.  Knowing what I know about God, and always seeing His presence in my life, how could I ever doubt His power and love to work out all things for my good and His glory? 

Looking back, I can see, and I continue to praise Him for His sovereignty and blessing on my daughter’s life.  He chose her to walk through a dark experience, not only to save many others, but to reveal Himself to her in a very real and tangible way. He did this all while stepping ahead of her and guiding her exactly where she needed to go. I will never forget His goodness for that.

Thinking back on your life, where can you see that God was with you in the darkest moments? Praise Him for never leaving you or forsaking you today!

Ardently His,

Jessica

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