COVERING is a word most believers use loosely.
We sometimes interchange it with words like mentor, counsellor, or pastor. However, in many cases, covering should not be used at all.
Someone can act as a cover, but that does not make them your cover.
God is the only one who qualifies to be your cover, providing protection, guidance, and support in all aspects of your life.
When GOD took the children of Israel from Egypt, he distinguished them from every other nation by covering them with the pillar of cloud by day and fire by night.
At the Red Sea, the pillar came between the host of Israel and Egypt. (Exodus 13 verses 19-21)
The pillars were coverings and manifestations of his presence.
When MORDECAI took his cousin Esther into his home, he acted as a father, a counsellor, and a mentor. He sought the best for her, just as God seeks the best for each of us.
When he found an opportunity in the palace, he took her to the king's harem and told her not to reveal her race.
He did everything possible to prepare her for what the Lord would do, and she did not disappoint.
When trouble came, she understood that God was her covering and said:
"Go, gather all the Jews in Susa, and observe a fast for me; do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will also fast in the same way."
"Then, I will go in to [see] the king [without being summoned], which is against the law, and if I perish, I perish." (Esther 4 verse 16)
Esther did not contract her prayers to anyone. She coveted their prayers as she prayed.
She knew that Mordecai was her mentor, but God was her covering.
Who is your covering?
Although God's name was not explicitly mentioned in the Book of Esther, his wonders were shown.
When the HELLENISTIC widows were neglected, the apostles told the brethren to choose seven men full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom to serve. (Acts of Apostles 6 verses 1-4)
The church acted as a cover to the widows.
GOD was Hannah's covering when she needed a child.
She prayed: O Lord of hosts if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your handmaid and [earnestly] remember, and not forget Your handmaid but will give me a son, I will give him to the Lord all his life; no razor shall touch his head. (1 Samuel 1 verses 9-11)
She sought God's cover because she knew he was the only person who could cover her shame.
GODS'S GRACE initially covered Adam and Eve, and were unashamed.
However, they realized their nakedness when they sinned, just as the Prodigal Son felt shame when he left his father's house.
When they heard God coming, they hid and covered themselves with fig leaves. (Genesis 3:1-13)
Sin brings shame, but righteousness brings honour.
Isaiah 61 verse 7 says, "For your shame, God will give you double honour."
God wants to remove your shame if you'll allow Him.
The PRODIGAL SON lost his covering when he left home.
After he wasted his livelihood, he began to want, and he said: How many of my father's hired men have more than enough food while I am dying here of hunger!
I will get up, go to my father, and say, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired men."' (Luke 15:19-20)
He got up and returned home because he had a relationship with his father there.
The prodigal son knew his dad would cover his shame.
I do not know your situation, but Jesus knows. He is waiting for you to come to him.
Final Thought
AIM at HEAVEN, and you will get earth thrown in. Aim at earth, and you get neither - C. S. Lewis.
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