Isaiah 43:1-2

Israel as a nation had much reason to fear the wrath of God. Their persistent sinning, especially their foolish idolatry, was bringing upon them dire punishment. For the remnant in Israel, the faith few, God always had a word of comfort and peace. The text addresses the truly spiritual in Israel, God says: "Fear not, for I have redeemed thee; I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine." Such a gracious message assuaged the fears of the believer.
 
As a nation, we too, like the European nations of our day, we to, are a sinful nation a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers. America also has deserved the avenging justice of a jealous God, whose Law has been ruthlessly trampled under foot. But to the faithful remnant in our own country or anywhere in the world God still brings . . .

Isaiah 43:1-2

Israel as a nation had much reason to fear the wrath of God. Their persistent sinning, especially their foolish idolatry, was bringing upon them dire punishment. For the remnant in Israel, the faith few, God always had a word of comfort and peace. The text addresses the truly spiritual in Israel, God says: "Fear not, for I have redeemed thee; I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine." Such a gracious message assuaged the fears of the believer.
 
As a nation, we too, like the European nations of our day, we to, are a sinful nation a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers. America also has deserved the avenging justice of a jealous God, whose Law has been ruthlessly trampled under foot. But to the faithful remnant in our own country or anywhere in the world God still brings this comforting message. "Fear not" The God of justice is still the Father of mercies. And to the whole body of believers as well as to the each individual Christian He says: "I have redeemed thee; I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine." Oh, how loving how gracious is our God. This redeeming grace of God comes to us only through Christ who has redeemed us unto God by His blood.
 
Christian friends, we can turn to the LORD in adversity. The One who has protected His people for centuries and has redeemed us through Jesus will not abandon us. As we face the rising waters of sorrows, the flood of physical suffering, or the high tides of trials, He will help us. We may have to go through the water, but we have nothing to fear, because God will be with us.
 
      How wonderful to know that He
      Who watches from above
      Will always keep us sheltered in
      His ever-present love.
 
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - Better the storm with Christ than smooth waters without Him.