January 14

Morning

Who is this coming from Edom, from Bozrah with crimson-stained garments? Who is this robed in splendor, marching in the greatness of His strength? “It is I, proclaiming vindication, mighty to save.” — Isa 63:1 BSB

When we speak of Christ being "mighty to save," we understand this to mean the entire scope of salvation, from the first holy desire to the full completion of sanctification. In this one word—salvation—we find the whole of God's mercy. Christ is not only “mighty to save” those who repent, but He is also mighty to lead them to repentance. He not only carries those who believe into heaven, but He is also mighty to give them new hearts and work faith in them. He is mighty enough to make the person who once hated holiness come to love it and to cause even the one who despised His name to bow in submission before Him.

And this is not all. His power is also evident in the ongoing work of a believer’s life. The Christian life is a series of miracles performed by “the Mighty God.” Like the burning bush that was never consumed, God’s people are sustained by His power. Christ is mighty to keep His people holy after making them holy, and He will preserve them in His fear and love until He perfects their spiritual life in heaven. Christ’s power is not limited to starting the work in a believer and then leaving them to fend for themselves. No, He who begins the good work also completes it. He who plants the first seed of life in the dead soul continues to nurture and strengthen that life until it breaks free from every chain of sin and the soul leaps from this world to perfect glory.

Believer, take courage. Are you praying for a loved one? Don’t give up your prayers, for Christ is “mighty to save.” You may feel powerless to reach the lost, but your Lord is all-powerful. Lay hold of His mighty arm and stir it to action. Does your own spiritual state trouble you? Do not be afraid, for His strength is more than enough for you. Whether starting a work in others or continuing it in you, Jesus is “mighty to save,” and the best proof of that is that He has already saved you. How great is His mercy that He is mighty to save, not to destroy!

Evening

But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” — Matt 14:30 BSB

Times of sinking are often times of prayer for the Lord’s servants. Peter may have neglected to pray when he first set out on his bold journey across the water, but when he began to sink, his danger turned him into a fervent petitioner. Though his prayer came late, it was not too late.

In moments of physical pain or mental anguish, we naturally find ourselves turning to prayer, just as a wrecked ship is driven to shore by the waves. A fox runs to its den for protection, a bird flies to the woods for shelter, and in the same way, a struggling believer rushes to the throne of grace for safety. Heaven’s great harbor of refuge is prayer. Thousands of storm-beaten souls have found peace there, and when the storm begins to rage, it is wise for us to head for this safe haven as quickly as possible.

Short prayers are long enough. Peter’s cry for help contained only three words, but they were enough for the occasion. What matters is not the length of our prayer but its strength. A deep sense of need is a great teacher of brevity. If our prayers contained less of the pride of long-windedness and more of the wings of urgency, they would be better for it. Words are like chaff to devotion’s wheat. The most precious things often come in the smallest packages, and much of what is truly prayer in long speeches could be expressed in short, heartfelt petitions like Peter’s.

Our moments of greatest desperation are God’s moments of greatest opportunity. As soon as our danger drives us to cry out for help, Jesus hears, and His heart and hand move swiftly together. Even if we appeal to Him at the last moment, His quick response makes up for our delay with immediate and effective action. Are you overwhelmed by the waves of affliction? Lift your heart to the Savior, and rest assured that He will not let you perish. When you can do nothing, Jesus can do everything. Call upon His powerful help, and all will be well.