August 15, 2017 – Isaiah 43:1

But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. Isaiah 43:1.

“Do not be afraid!” “Don’t be scared!”  “It will be OK!”  “There is nothing to be afraid of!”  Remember hearing that when your shivers of fear run up and down your back.  Seeing our shadow only frightens us more.

You want to ask how can I not be afraid?  Give me a good reason!  Read the verse again…Listen to the One who created you.  Not only did God create you and me, He ransomed us.

We are not just part of a group or a team.  We are not a ‘Hey You!’  God knows our name, just as He knows the name of each star in the sky. Names are important to God.  That is the first job God gave Adam!  So the Lord God formed from the ground all the wild animals and all the birds of the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would call them, and the man chose a name for each one. Genesis 2:19.

When we go through hard times, God says, I will be with you.  When we trust Him, God walks with us through rivers of difficulty. Oppression is described as a fire and it will not consume us.  God is our Deliverer.  His Son, Jesus said, “For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” Matthew 11:30.   If you are insulted because you bear the name of Christ, you will be blessed, for the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you... I Peter 4:14.

Matthew 28:20-b -“And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age…”  This is the reason fear is chased away, trusting God and His Son, Jesus.  We have His promise.

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. Isaiah 43:2.