DCLM Daily Manna, July 6 2016 by Pastor Kumuyi - God, Our Only Hope

Topic: God, Our Only Hope [July 6, 2016]

Text: Micah 7:14-20

Key Verse: "Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy" (Micah 7:18).
John Patton, a Scottish missionary, in 1858, went to New Hebrides, now called Vanuatu, with his family. Three months after their arrival at the island of Tanna, his wife died, and a week later, his infant son also died. Terribly alone, he was plunged into sorrow. Those around him, unfortunately, could not show any sympathy. Patton could only take solace in God, the all sufficiency, and then he wrote, "Let those who have ever passed through any similar darkness as of midnight feel for me.

As for all others, it would be more than vain to try to paint my sorrows. But for Jesus, and His fellowship, I would have gone mad and died. " Our text depicts a very pathetic situation in Israel. Micah could only watch as chaos reigned supreme throughout the land, destroying every interpersonal relationship. But he had great faith in God that things would turn around for the better. He proclaimed that he would wait upon God, who hears and saves at the time of trouble. He was confident that when help would be needed, God would see His people through. So, Micah prayed to God, asking Him to take care of His people, as the great Shepherd and to go before them.

God answered the prayer, expressing His delight in mercy and pardon for their sin. Micah was confident that the nations, who regale in fighting them, would be shocked and put to shame. When you come to God with humility like Micah, He will forgive you of all sins and deliver you from all afflictions. He appreciates a sincere and humble heart. Sin is the only barrier to His mercy. But when God takes away the guilt of sin, He breaks the power of sin so that it may not have dominion over us. God's grace is always sufficient to subdue our sins so that they will not ruin us.

Thought for the day: Grace makes the pilgrim an abiding conqueror

Bible Reading in one Year: 2 Kings 14-15

DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.