Wednesday, March 07, 2012

Trust God's Promises

"Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." (Isaiah 43:1-2 NIV)

God summoned us by name . . . what a magnificent honor! Think about this . . . God knows us by our names. We are first-name friends with God. And he left Heaven to redeem us. Astounding! Who would have ever thought we were worthy of such love? The One who created us did!

And Isaiah teaches, God will protect us against all harm and destruction. We won't drown in the waters of this life. Floods of this life won’t sweep us away. Fires of this life won't burn us. So, "do not fear."

That's easier to write than to practice. When I walk into my fires, I want God as close as possible. I want to feel his presence every instant. I want his hand holding my hand. I need reassurance that God is greater than my firestorm.

Each day as I minister grace to others, I'm confident that God cares for me too. His love and grace always dwarfs my own ministry. Even when I don' t feel his hand on my shoulder, I know God is present with me because I trust his promise.

He assures us that waters-of-life are never too deep for him . . . crossing flooding rivers present no problem for him . . . fiery furnaces and firestorms leave no smell or burns on those who walk with him. There’s a promise I can live with.

Dear Father, thank you for your promise of safety. Empower me with confident trust, This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Be strong and courageous today trusting God's promise,

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