“My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.” Do says the Psalmist. 

Jacob took all that he had, his wives, children, his maids, and everything he had; and placed them safely on the other side of the Jabbok. Jacob was left alone and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. When the man saw that he did not prevail, he struck him on the hip socket and Jacobs hip was put out of joint. The man asked Jacob to let him go. But Jacob said, I will not let you go, unless you bless me. The man blessed him with a new name, calling him Israel. 

Jacob said, “I have seen God face to face. and yet my life is preserved.” He had wrestled with God and with humans and had prevailed.

“My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.”

Paul in all seriousness urged Timothy, and the people he led, “I solemnly urge you: proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable... For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound doctrine, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths.”

“My help comes from the lord, the maker of heaven and earth.” 

Jesus told a parable about their need to pray always and not lose heart. He then told of the judge who had no fear of God nor respect for the people. In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him saying, ‘Grant me justice against my opponent.’ For a while he refused; but later thought, though I have no fear of God or anyone, I will grant her justice, so that she will not wear me out by continually coming.

Jesus message with this parable is: God will grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night. He will quickly grant justice to them, and when the Son of man comes, he will find faith on earth.

To lose heart is to lose faith in God and the steadfast message of assurance Jesus offers. He will persevere, his help will come, and like Jacob, Christ will win the day.

“My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. The Lord himself watches over you;”

The Rev. George O. Martin is an Ordained Deacon at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 17th and Adams, Great Bend. Send email to georgeom@hbcomm.net.