*And surely, I will be with you always, to the very end of the age*

 

In the TV show “Shark Tank”, the pitch starts with contestants asking for a specific amount of money in exchange for a specific percentage of ownership in their business. That establishes their proposed valuation. So for example, if they want to give 10 percent of the company for $100,000, that’s a valuation of $1 million; and 30 percent for $150,000 is a valuation of $500,000. It’s simple math!

 

The “Sharks” who typically can afford to meet the contestant’s request, evaluate their pitches, and make offers based on their own valuation of the business. To sweeten the deal and get the contestants to choose them over other Sharks, they offer more than financial terms – they offer themselves!

 

One of the Sharks, is known for the popular quote “*I don’t want to sound arrogant, but there’s only one Mr. Wonderful… I’m not like a typical venture capitalist. Nobody can do what I can do for you, and you’re going to pay for that*”

 

Do you know that God’s biggest investment is in us, brothers? And the icing on the cake is that we didn’t even have to pitch to God!!!

 

The most constant statement in the Bible about God and the human race, about individuals was this statement: “*I will be with you*”

 

God desperately wants to be “with us” – this was the very heart of God in creating us.  When God promised a saviour, He said He would be called “*Immanuel*” which translates literally as, “*God With Us!*”

 

 

*God made this promise time and time again in the Bible*:

 

1. *With Moses as he led Israel* (Exodus 33:14-16)

The LORD replied, "*My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest*." Then Moses said to him, "If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?"

 

2. *God’s promise to Joshua* (Joshua 1:5)

No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so *I will be with you*; I will never leave you nor forsake you.

 

3. *Gideon was assured of God’s presence* (Judges 6:12)

When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, "*The LORD is with you, mighty warrior*."

 

4. *David recognized God’s promise to be with him*. (Psalm 23:4)

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, *for you are with me*; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

 

5. *Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego had God with them in the fire*! (Daniel 3:24-25)

Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, "Weren't there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?" They replied, "Certainly, O king."

He said, "Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods."

 

*The most successful product on “Shark Tank” has more than $225 million in lifetime sales and the biggest investor has a 17.5% stake. With God, it’s totally different – We get to enjoy all the return on HIS investment, and he only takes the Glory!!*

 

6. *Promise to Solomon and Israel* (1 Chronicles 22:18)

He said to them, "*Is not the LORD your God with you*? And has he not granted you rest on every side? For he has handed the inhabitants of the land over to me, and the land is subject to the LORD and to his people.

 

7. *Jeremiah’s call as a child* (Jeremiah 1:6-8)

"Ah, Sovereign LORD," I said, "I do not know how to speak; I am only a child." But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a child.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for *I am with you* and will rescue you," declares the LORD.

 

8. *Haggai was also promised God with him* (Haggai 1:13)

Then Haggai, the LORD's messenger, gave this message of the LORD to the people: "*I am with you*," declares the LORD. 

 

 

But the one thing that causes man to temporarily lose God, his biggest investor………….?? 

*SIN* (The failure to *Listen* and ultimately repent)!!!

 

*Deut. 1:41-43*, *Judges 16:20*

Then she called, "Samson, the Philistines are upon you!" He awoke from his sleep and thought, "I'll go out as before and shake myself free." But he did not know that the *LORD had left him*.

 

The greatest offer God has promised mankind if we love and listen to Him, he will be with us!  This is the best offer in the universe!

 

1. Thank God for His ongoing investment in your life. Thank Him for His love, provision, guidance, protection, and the incredible opportunity to partner with Him in His work in the world.

 

 

2. Ask God to open your eyes and hearts to recognize His divine investment in your life. To help you see His hand at work in every aspect, both big and small. Ask him to help you to be Aware!

 

 

3. Pray for the willingness to surrender your plans, dreams, and ambitions to God as the ultimate Investor. Ask Him to help you trust His guidance and direction above your own desires.

 

 

4. Pray for the ability to be good stewards of the resources and opportunities God provides. Ask Him to help you manage your time, talents, and finances in a way that brings glory to Him and maximizes the impact of His investment in our lives.

 

 

5. Pray for a deepening of your faith as you trust God as your ultimate Investor. Ask Him to strengthen your belief in His promises and provision, even when circumstances seem uncertain or challenging.

 

 

6. Ask God to help you extend grace and generosity to others as you recognize that everything, you have is ultimately from Him. Pray that you would use His investment in your lives to bless and uplift those in need.