..."Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. ²When 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. ³For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior..."—Isaiah 43:1-3
What reassures you in times of difficulty and hardship? What gives you comfort in the midst of incredible pain? What source of strength do you draw from when suffering is a reality in your life, or when it is inevitable in the days to come? How can you quell the natural feelings of fear—feelings that can so easily consume us?
In Isaiah 41:10 (last week’s Fighter Verse), and this week in Isaiah 43:1-3, God provides the reason why His children need not fear. They will not be overcome by their situation and circumstance for one reason: God is with them. That is a staggering reality and a precious truth on which to stand.
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. 2 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. 3 For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior." (Isaiah 43:1-3)
Christian, take heart. God is with you. He is with you in every situation, every scary moment, every tear, every pain, and every hardship. He is a God who strengthens, helps, and upholds you. He is a God who transcends time, space, and matter. He commands the waters, the rivers, and the fire. He directs them to accomplish His good purposes. He is a personal God, who is abundantly able to keep your soul.
A few weeks ago, I attended a funeral for a godly woman who had suffered much. This dear woman fought numerous battles against cancer. Just two years ago, her husband collapsed and died unexpectedly from a heart attack. Just weeks before her own death, her brother died. All of this was heartbreaking for her family and friends, and yet she was not overwhelmed.
When her cancer came back with a vengeance, it consumed her physical body, but it did not consume her soul. We watched, and we witnessed. God was with her. Her body was wasting away, but she was becoming more and more alive in Christ. Her hope and trust were in the God who redeemed her, who called her by name and declared, “she is mine!”
May the truths in these passages hold you up during your difficulties and strengthen your resolve to cast your fears on Jesus.
For Reflection
How does knowing that God is with you help you from being consumed by fear in difficult situations and circumstances?
Isaiah 43:2 uses the word when two times. What does that teach you?
How can you prepare yourself (and your family) now for what is to come?
Look up Romans 8:18-39, Hebrews 13:5-6, and Matthew 6:25-34. What are some additional promises that God gives you to battle fear?