The devotional reading this morning from the “Indeed” devotional magazine referenced the scripture Isaiah 43:1-7. What amazingly encouraging words that God gave to his people Israel, which I believe hold true for God’s church today: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. ” God wants his people to know that because we are His, we have no need to fear. Never mind the storms of life – raging, rising waters; a trial of fire – He will be with us. We will not be overcome. We will not get burned. We are His. What amazing confidence we can have for our present and our future as we learn to believe, accept and trust in the promises of God. Below is the rest of Isaiah 43:1-7. I would encourage you to read it and then pick up your Bible and read the next 2-3 chapters of Isaiah as well. And pick up an “Indeed” devotional at church on Sunday!
1 But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob,
And He who formed you, O Israel:
“ Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name;
You are Mine.
2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you.
3 For I am the LORD your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I gave Egypt for your ransom,
Ethiopia and Seba in your place.
4 Since you were precious in My sight,
You have been honored,
And I have loved you;
Therefore I will give men for you,
And people for your life.
5 Fear not, for I am with you;
I will bring your descendants from the east,
And gather you from the west;
6 I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’
And to the south, ‘Do not keep them back!’
Bring My sons from afar,
And My daughters from the ends of the earth—
7 Everyone who is called by My name,
Whom I have created for My glory;
I have formed him, yes, I have made him.”
MikeWindley.com 