The Guiding and Holding Ministry of God in Christ Jesus
Isaac Megbolugbe
August 18, 2025
Introduction
The Guiding and Holding Ministry of God in Christ Jesus is a profound expression of His boundless grace and care towards believers. This foundational truth is essential for Christians to grasp, as it provides the bedrock for a life of security, flourishing, and deepening faith. In a world fraught with uncertainty and challenges, understanding and embracing God’s guiding and holding ministry can be a source of immense comfort, strength, and hope.
The Foundation of Faith
Faith is more than just a belief; it is a deep-seated trust in the character and promises of God. For believers, faith serves as an anchor that holds fast in the midst of life’s storms. However, this anchor must be rooted in a profound understanding of God’s love, care, and guidance. The Bible assures us that God’s guidance is not merely a distant oversight but an intimate, personal involvement in the lives of His children. Psalm 139:10 beautifully encapsulates this truth: “Your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.”
The Nature of God’s Guidance
God’s guidance is multifaceted, encompassing various aspects of our lives. It is not limited to major life decisions but extends to every detail, no matter how small. This guidance is rooted in God’s infinite wisdom and love. As the psalmist declares, “You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory” (Psalm 73:24). This promise underscores the certainty of God’s guidance throughout our lives and into eternity.
The Security of Being Held by God
The concept of being held by God speaks to the security and safety that believers enjoy. In a world filled with dangers and uncertainties, knowing that God holds us fast can be a source of great peace. This holding ministry of God is not passive; it is an active, dynamic process where God continually supports and upholds His children. As the writer of Hebrews notes, “He is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them” (Hebrews 7:25). This salvation and intercession are manifestations of God’s holding ministry.
Trusting God to Bless, Guard, Guide, and Grant Desires
Trusting God to bless, guard, guide, and grant the desires of our heart is an integral part of the believer’s life. This trust is not blind; it is informed by God’s character and promises. When we seek to abide and align with God in obedience, we position ourselves to receive His blessings. The psalmist’s prayer, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4), highlights the relationship between delighting in God and the fulfillment of our desires. This does not mean that God will grant every fleeting wish but rather that as we align our hearts with His will, our desires will increasingly reflect what is good and pleasing to Him.
Living a Life of Security and Flourishing
A life of security and flourishing is not one devoid of challenges but one marked by a deep trust in God’s guidance and care. It is a life where faith is not just an intellectual assent but a lived reality that influences every aspect of our being. As believers, we are called to live in the confidence of God’s presence, guidance, and holding ministry. This confidence enables us to face life’s challenges with courage, hope, and peace.
Conclusion
The Guiding and Holding Ministry of God in Christ Jesus is a cornerstone of the Christian faith. It is an expression of God’s grace and care that provides believers with a foundation for living a life of security and flourishing. By trusting in God’s guidance and holding ministry, believers can navigate life’s complexities with confidence, knowing that they are not alone but are guided and held fast by a loving God. As we seek to abide and align with God in obedience, we can experience the fullness of His blessings and the peace that comes from knowing we are in His hands.
A Masterclass in the Guiding and Holding Ministry of God
In a recent medical emergency, I experienced firsthand the profound guidance and care of God. As I navigated the uncertainty and fear that often accompany such situations, I was reminded of the powerful truth of Psalm 139:10, “Your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.” This experience served as a poignant reminder of God’s active involvement in our lives, guiding and holding us fast even in the most challenging moments.
The Unexpected Emergency
The incident began with a sudden and unexpected turn of events following a surgical procedure. As symptoms developed that were outside the realm of normal post-operation experiences, I found myself unsure of what to do. Despite the initial uncertainty, I remained calm and still, seeking God’s guidance and wisdom in the situation. This period of waiting was not passive; it was an active seeking of God’s direction and intervention.
The Role of Human Instruments in God’s Guidance
In the midst of my uncertainty, a family friend who was vacationing in Europe called to check on me. This timely intervention proved to be a crucial turning point. Upon sharing my symptoms with her, she quickly surmised that the situation was more serious than I had realized and judged it an emergency. Her insight and swift action were instrumental in mobilizing the necessary medical response. She coached me on how to reach my ophthalmologist’s office effectively and arranged for her children to transport me to the hospital. This chain of events highlighted the way God often uses people and circumstances to manifest His guidance and care.
God’s Guiding and Holding Ministry in Action
As I reflect on this experience, I am struck by the clear manifestation of God’s Guiding and Holding Ministry. From the calmness that sustained me in the initial phase of uncertainty to the timely intervention of my family friend, every element seemed orchestrated by a higher hand. The medical team’s prompt and effective response further underscored the sense of divine guidance at work. Within 24 hours, I received the necessary care and attention, a testament to the power of God working through human instruments and medical expertise.
Lessons Learned
This experience reinforced several key lessons about God’s guidance and care:
1. Trust in God’s Timing: God’s guidance often unfolds in His timing, not ours. The delay in response from my ophthalmologist’s office and the timing of my friend’s call were perfectly orchestrated to ensure I received the right care at the right time.
2. The Power of Community: The role of my family friend in this episode highlights the importance of community in God’s plan. We are not alone in our struggles; God often uses others to provide support, guidance, and care.
3. Active Faith: My decision to remain calm and seek God’s guidance actively, rather than panicking, was crucial. It allowed me to be receptive to the guidance that came through my friend and the medical team.
Conclusion
This medical emergency served as a powerful reminder of the reality of God’s Guiding and Holding Ministry in our lives. As Psalm 139:10 so beautifully articulates, God’s hand guides us, and His right hand holds us fast. In moments of uncertainty and fear, this truth can be a source of immense comfort and strength. My experience was a testament to the multifaceted ways God works in our lives, using both divine guidance and human instruments to bring about care and healing. As we navigate the complexities of life, may we hold fast to the promise of God’s guidance and care, trusting in His perfect timing and plan.
The Power of Sacred Waiting: Experiencing God’s Guidance and Holding Ministry
In moments of uncertainty and fear, it’s natural to feel unsure about what to do next. However, one thing we can be certain of is the practice of sacred waiting. This is not a passive activity, but rather a deliberate and eager anticipation of experiencing God’s Guidance and Holding Ministry. Sacred waiting involves a deep trust in God’s faithfulness and goodness, and it is characterized by praying, trusting, expecting, and rejoicing.
The Nature of Sacred Waiting
Sacred waiting is not about being idle or inactive. Instead, it’s about positioning ourselves to receive God’s guidance and care. It’s a proactive and intentional decision to seek God’s face, to trust in His goodness, and to expect His intervention. When we wait on God, we acknowledge our limitations and His sovereignty. We recognize that He is the One who knows the end from the beginning and that His plans are perfect.
The Components of Sacred Waiting
1. Praying: Prayer is a fundamental aspect of sacred waiting. It’s a way of communicating with God, expressing our concerns, and seeking His guidance. Through prayer, we invite God into our situation and ask for His intervention.
2. Trusting: Trust is essential in sacred waiting. We must trust that God is good, that He is faithful, and that He has our best interests at heart. When we trust God, we can rest in His sovereignty and goodness, even when we don’t understand what’s happening.
3. Expecting: Expectation is a key component of sacred waiting. We expect God to respond, to guide us, and to care for us. This expectation is not based on our own abilities or circumstances but on God’s character and promises.
4. Rejoicing: Rejoicing in the midst of uncertainty may seem counterintuitive, but it’s a powerful way to express our trust in God. When we rejoice, we acknowledge God’s goodness and faithfulness, even when we can’t see the outcome.
God’s Response to Sacred Waiting
When God responds to our sacred waiting, it’s essential to pay attention to His ministry unfolding. We must observe how God is working in our lives, responding to our prayers, and guiding us. By doing so, we can:
1. Testify to God’s faithfulness: When God responds to our sacred waiting, we can testify to His faithfulness and goodness. We can share our experiences with others, giving God the glory and thanksgiving He deserves.
2. Give God thanksgiving: Thanksgiving is a natural response to God’s intervention in our lives. When we express gratitude to God, we acknowledge His sovereignty and goodness.
3. *Reflect God’s glory*: When God responds to our sacred waiting, we can reflect His glory to others. Our experiences can be a testament to God’s power and faithfulness, inspiring others to trust Him.
Conclusion
Sacred waiting is a powerful way to experience God’s Guidance and Holding Ministry. It’s a deliberate and eager anticipation of God’s intervention, characterized by praying, trusting, expecting, and rejoicing. When God responds to our sacred waiting, we must pay attention to His ministry unfolding, testify to His faithfulness, give Him thanksgiving, and reflect His glory. By embracing sacred waiting, we can deepen our trust in God and experience His goodness and faithfulness in our lives.
The Guidance and Holding Ministry of God: A Pathway to Sanctification
The Guidance and Holding Ministry of God is a profound aspect of the Christian faith, intricately woven into the ongoing work of sanctification for those in Christ Jesus. This ministry is not merely a response to specific situations but a continuous process that helps believers learn, grow, mature, and be transformed. Through this divine guidance and care, believers are prepared for the ultimate goal of spending eternity with God in glory.
The Purpose of God’s Guidance and Holding Ministry
At its core, the Guidance and Holding Ministry of God is designed to bring believers into a deeper abiding and alignment with Him. This process involves:
1. Learning and Growth: God’s guidance helps believers to learn from their experiences, both positive and negative. Through these lessons, they grow in their understanding of God’s character, His ways, and His will for their lives.
2. Maturation: As believers continue to walk with God, they mature in their faith. This maturation process involves developing a deeper trust in God, cultivating spiritual disciplines, and becoming more like Christ.
3. Transformation: The ultimate goal of God’s Guidance and Holding Ministry is the transformation of believers into the image of Christ. This transformation is not just about external behavior but about a deep, internal change that reflects Christ’s love, compassion, and character.
The Role of Uncertainty, Challenges, and Fear
Moments or seasons of uncertainty, challenges, and fear are inevitable in the life of a believer. However, these experiences can serve as catalysts for growth and deepening faith. When believers understand that God’s Guidance and Holding Ministry is an integral part of their sanctification, they can approach these challenging times with confidence and hope.
Sanctification: A Journey of Preparation
The process of sanctification is a journey of preparation for spending eternity with God in glory. Through God’s Guidance and Holding Ministry, believers are:
1. Conformed to Christ’s Image: The ultimate goal of sanctification is to be conformed to the image of Christ. This involves a process of transformation that reflects Christ’s love, humility, and obedience to the Father.
2. Prepared for Eternity: As believers grow in their faith and mature in their walk with God, they are prepared for the promise of eternal life. This preparation involves developing a deep, abiding relationship with God and living in accordance with His will.
An Encouragement in Times of Uncertainty
Understanding the Guidance and Holding Ministry of God as part of the sanctification process should serve as a powerful encouragement to believers. When faced with uncertainty, challenges, or fear, believers can:
1. Trust in God’s Sovereignty: Knowing that God is sovereign and that His guidance and care are part of their sanctification journey can give believers the confidence to trust Him, even in difficult times.
2. Find Peace and Hope: The promise of God’s Guidance and Holding Ministry offers peace and hope. Believers can rest in the knowledge that God is working all things together for their good and His glory.
3. Grow in Faith: Challenges and uncertainties can become opportunities for growth in faith. By relying on God’s guidance and care, believers can deepen their trust and dependence on Him.
Conclusion
The Guidance and Holding Ministry of God is a vital aspect of the sanctification process for believers in Christ Jesus. This ministry helps believers learn, grow, mature, and be transformed as they abide and align with God. Even in moments of uncertainty, challenges, or fear, believers can find encouragement in the knowledge that God is actively guiding and caring for them. As they journey through life, they are being prepared for the ultimate promise of spending eternity with God in glory. By trusting in God’s sovereignty and goodness, believers can navigate life’s complexities with confidence, hope, and peace.
Living Witnesses for Jesus Christ: Manifesting God’s Guidance and Holding Ministry
As believers, we are called to be living witnesses for Jesus Christ, reflecting His love, grace, and power in our lives. One of the most potent opportunities for this ministry arises in moments of uncertainty, challenges, and fear. It is in these moments that the Guidance and Holding Ministry of God often manifests, providing a powerful testimony to His faithfulness and sovereignty.
The Role of Believers as Witnesses
As witnesses for Jesus Christ, believers are tasked with sharing the good news of salvation and redemption with a world in need. This witness is not limited to words alone but is also demonstrated through our lives and experiences. By focusing on the work that God is doing in us, we can report effectively as witnesses in Christ Jesus.
The Guidance and Holding Ministry of God
The Guidance and Holding Ministry of God is a manifestation of His love and care for His children. In times of uncertainty, challenges, and fear, God often intervenes in powerful ways, demonstrating His sovereignty and faithfulness. As believers, we can trust that God is always working to perfect His plan in our lives, even in the midst of weaknesses and troubles.
Faith in God’s Sovereignty
By faith, we believe that God is always at work in our lives, perfecting His plan and displaying His sovereignty. We can trust that He is victorious in our weaknesses and troubles, and that His power is made perfect in our insufficiency. This faith empowers us to hold on to our testimony as living witnesses for the Lord, even in the darkest of times.
Victory in Christ
As believers, we have already been declared victorious in Christ. Regardless of our circumstances, we can stand firm in the knowledge that God is with us and that He is working all things together for our good. This victory is not dependent on our own strength or abilities but on the power and sovereignty of God.
Holding On to Our Testimony
In moments of uncertainty, challenges, and fear, it can be tempting to lose sight of our testimony and doubt God’s goodness. However, as living witnesses for Jesus Christ, we must hold on to our testimony and continue to share it with others. By doing so, we can reflect God’s glory and demonstrate His power to a world in need.
Conclusion
As believers, we are called to be living witnesses for Jesus Christ, reflecting His love and power in our lives. In moments of uncertainty, challenges, and fear, the Guidance and Holding Ministry of God often manifests, providing a powerful testimony to His faithfulness and sovereignty. By focusing on the work that God is doing in us and trusting in His sovereignty, we can report effectively as witnesses in Christ Jesus. We can hold on to our testimony, even in the darkest of times, and continue to share it with others, reflecting God’s glory and demonstrating His power to a world in need.
Living Witnesses of Jesus Christ: Modeling Our Responsibility as Believers
As believers, we are called to be living witnesses of Jesus Christ, reflecting His love, teachings, and redemptive power in our lives. This responsibility is not limited to a select few but is a calling for all believers, regardless of their stage of growth and maturity in the Lord. In this article, we will explore how to model this responsibility effectively, sharing the hope and truth of Jesus Christ with others through our words, actions, and experiences.
The Call to Be Witnesses
Being a witness for Jesus Christ involves more than just verbal testimony; it encompasses our entire lives. Our actions, attitudes, and interactions with others can either reflect the transformative power of the Gospel or obscure it. As believers, we are tasked with the responsibility of representing Christ to the world, pointing others to Him through our love, compassion, and integrity.
Growing in Maturity and Faith
Regardless of where we are in our spiritual journey, there is always room for growth and deeper commitment to our faith. Maturity in the Lord is not about perfection but about continually seeking to align our lives more closely with Christ’s teachings and example. This journey involves learning, growing, and being transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2).
Modeling Our Responsibility
To model our responsibility as living witnesses effectively, we need to:
1. Live Out Our Faith Authentically: Our lives should reflect the teachings of Jesus Christ. This means living with integrity, showing compassion, and demonstrating love and kindness to others.
2. Share Our Experiences: Sharing our personal stories of faith and how God has worked in our lives can be a powerful way to witness to others. These stories can inspire hope and point others to the reality of Jesus Christ.
3. Engage with Others: Engaging with our communities and being present in the lives of those around us provides opportunities to demonstrate Christ’s love in practical ways. This can involve volunteering, serving others, and being a good neighbor.
4. Speak Truth with Love: When opportunities arise, we should be prepared to share the Gospel message with others, doing so with love and respect. Our words should be seasoned with grace, reflecting the love and compassion of Christ.
*Conclusion*
Being a living witness for Jesus Christ is a profound responsibility and privilege. Regardless of our stage of growth and maturity in the Lord, we are all called to reflect His love and truth in our lives. By living out our faith authentically, sharing our experiences, engaging with others, and speaking truth with love, we can effectively model our responsibility as believers. In doing so, we not only grow in our own faith but also contribute to the body of Christ and His mission in the world.
Isaac Megbolugbe, Director of GIVA Ministries
International, retired professor at Johns Hopkins University, 2024 Marquis Organization’s Class of Top Executives in the United States of America and a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. He is resident in the United States of America
