Anyone who's ever broken down on the motorway will know that the first reaction is pretty much to reach for the cell phone and phone the breakdown services, it's almost a reflex, their can be few more pleasing sites to the stranded motorist than the little yellow AA van approaching! What I think we as Christians sometimes do however, is underestimate the quality of the breakdown cover we get, complimentary, free and gratis, courtesy of God's salvation. It's part of the package, and it's something that, if used, should be entirely life changing.

We're all familiar with the first verse of Psalm 46 that tells us that God is a very present help in times of trouble, but I think sometimes we can become so familiar with the concept of that scripture that we miss the reality, it's there in our head, but we can fall into the trap of forgetting how usable it is, forgetting how real it is and it becomes just another thing we've learned in theory.

Unlike the AA, who only come out and find you after you break down, the cover of God is constant, whether you're running smoothly, having the odd problem, or you feel like you're broken down by the side of the road, God is there – in fact, if you use God cover properly, it shouldn't come to the broken down stage, because He is so effective in times of trouble.

Hebrews 2:18 nicely explains for us how and why this works...

“For because He Himself [in His humanity] has suffered in being tempted (tested and tried), He is able [immediately] to run to the cry of (assist, relieve) those who are being tempted and tested and tried [and who therefore are being exposed to suffering].”

...there isn't a problem, trial or temptation that we're going to come up against that Jesus doesn't already have the best of, He triumphed in life, and then He triumphed over death. It's because of this, because He already has all the answers that He can immediately come to us and help us, the last thing Jesus wants to see is us bogged down with problems, or us broken down and not moving anywhere in Him. It's like instant cover, all we need to do is ask of Him and be confident and He will be there.

Now, imagine the possibilities of a life where every temptation or trial, every curve ball that comes your way, you have an immediate and perfect help. Not just a life where we only pray or ask God when things get really tough, or for huge problems, but a life where we entrust everything, where we are constantly aware whatever we're facing that Jesus is there. It's easy when things get hard to try to think with our own minds to find a solution, but the real solution is realising that there is only one solution - Jesus, and that solution works for everything we ever face.

Blessings,

Pete...