God will work to deliver you; just ask him

Have you ever felt alone, neglected or forgotten? Do you sometimes think that you’re unimportant or insignificant?

In the Bible, it tells of a man named Zacchaeus who lived in Jericho. He was a tax collector and a very wealthy man. But he was not wellliked in the town.

Beginning in Luke 19, it tells how Jesus was passing through Jericho, and Zacchaeus was eager to catch a glimpse of him.

There were many people gathered around to see Jesus, and Zacchaeus “was of short stature” (Luke 19:3). So, he decided to climb a tree. Thus, he might be able to get a better look.

“When Jesus came to the tree, he looked up and called out to Zacchaeus, hurry and come down! I must stay at your house today” (Luke 19:5).

Zacchaeus heard Jesus calling His name. Excitement must have filled his heart. Then, Zacchaeus came down from the tree, received Jesus joyfully, and instantly became a changed man.

In fact, as the result of this encounter, Zacchaeus gave half his money to the poor and said that if he cheated anyone in the past, he would pay them back four times the amount.

Just from seeing Jesus from high up in a sycamore tree, Zacchaeus began to be transformed.

Hence, if you think that no one cares about you, allow me encourage you to remember that regardless of where you are in life, the Lord knows you by name. He has not forgotten about you.

It says in Isaiah 49:16, “See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.”

Similar to an indelible ink marker, it cannot be taken off. Your name is permanently on God’s hand. He cares about you personally.

And as Jesus called out to Zacchaeus, God is calling out and saying to you today:

• “I am leading you forward into a life of blessings.”

• “You’re about to see your dreams come to pass.”

• “And I’m going to reward you a thousand-fold for all you do and have done for others.”

So, do not stay where you are, sitting idly because you are paralyzed by hurts or mistakes of the long-ago. Mistakes or setbacks happen to the best of us. Forget about them.

Come back and be better.

Take that first leap of faith. And then watch, in awe, at what God will do.

Right now, God is arranging circumstances in your behalf. Your time for success will come.

He is working to bring you out of challenging circumstances. And you will come through with the victory.

You haven’t seen anything yet. Be on the lookout for the great joys and successes that are to come. For God is going to bless you beyond anything you can imagine.

“And God is able to make all grace overflow to you so that because you have enough of everything in every way at all times, you will overflow in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8).

What you believe, you become. Thus, don’t plan on defeat. Believe and plan on fulfilling your dreams and goals.

With God all things are possible. There is no problem that you cannot conquer, no negative history you cannot overcome, and no dream that you cannot achieve.

Life is about choices. And each decision you make, creates you. Therefore, you can choose to start over, to change directions, and to strive to attain your heart’s highest goal.

Ask God to help you, then forge ahead, “…reaching forth unto those things which are before you,” and you will triumph (Philippians 3:13).

A while ago, I received a powerful letter from a husband and wife who wrote to tell me that each week they cut out my column and mail it to their teenage daughter who is in reform school.

“My daughter says that your articles help her to see the true light God shines on all of us,” the father shared.

Next, the father went on to explain that their young daughter was destructive and out of control.

Her situation appeared to be almost impossible to surmount. But the parents stood strong and found a school to help their child with her challenges.

Now, their daughter is getting the much-needed support and assistance she needs through this school’s fine program.

As this teenager reaches for recovery, the father described that through prayer she knows that God is with her, right by her side, as God’s love reaches into the future and knows no boundaries.

For that knowledge alone causes the teenager to have hope and a brighter outlook for the days to come.

One step at a time, she is developing into a loving, caring, appreciative adolescent.

Indeed, she is picking up the pieces and putting them back together. In the process, she is an inspiration to those around her. The teen credits God for changing her life, and she continues to move in a positive direction, looking forward to a new chapter with excited anticipation.

So, don’t ever underestimate what God can do. Just as He made ‘the sun stop in the middle of the sky’ for Joshua (Joshua 10:13), He can cause a miracle to come to pass for you.

One afternoon, I was at a department store trying to select a gift for my daughter’s birthday.

Lingering for a time, looking around, a sales assistant walked over to me and asked, “Do you need any help?”

Smiling, I explained, “I’m looking for the perfect birthday gift for my girl to let her know that year after year, I love her more and more.”

That’s how God feels about you.

For you are His beloved child, and with each passing moment, He loves you more and more.

Every morning when you awaken, be aware of God’s great love for you. Be excited about the day ahead and enthusiastic concerning the possibilities in your future.

Thank and praise God. Develop an attitude of gratitude and continually be looking up to Him. There are vast resources available because of God’s love and commitment to you.

And so, live your life with joy. And like Zacchaeus, welcome God into your life. Blessings are coming toward you, so expect them.

Keep praying. Keep believing and let God do His work … and He will positively transform your life.