Isaiah 43 provides a great reminder that whatever challenges we face, difficulties that arise, obstacles that seem to be in our way… we are to fear not.
I need that reminder, fear not. I don’t know what tomorrow, next week, next month, or next year will bring. It could be the best time of my life or the most challenging. Fear not. When I feel overwhelmed by circumstances. Fear not. Why? Because the same God who lovingly speaks to His people Israel is the same God who today calls His people to Himself. He is our only Savior, He is the One in whom we can trust. So fear not.
But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.
For I am the LORD your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
I give Egypt as your ransom,
Cush and Seba in exchange for you.
Because you are precious in my eyes,
and honored, and I love you,
I give men in return for you,
peoples in exchange for your life.
Fear not, for I am with you;
I will bring your offspring from the east,
and from the west I will gather you.
I will say to the north, Give up,
and to the south, Do not withhold;
bring my sons from afar
and my daughters from the end of the earth,
everyone who is called by my name,
whom I created for my glory,
whom I formed and made,” (Isaiah 43:1-7, ESV)