SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 43:1-13
OBSERVATION:
Isaiah is speaking to Israel during Assyrian exile, after Jerusalem was destroyed and children were taken to Nineveh), a severe trial.
He declares God’s presence, power and purpose, that He will bring children back and deliver His people.
Take comfort, for God is in control, not the idols, and everything is going as God predicted/planned.
The exile was discipline for Israel’s wickedness, but God will renew and rebuild and restore.
God is the only saviour, not other idols, other helpers or other nations – keep hoping in God.
APPLICATION:
There will be suffering, but God will be with me through it, and He will lead me through this.
Do I see my present struggle in light of this, am I relying on God as my helper? am I trusting that this is part of His loving grace and discipline?
This is a great reminder to me that God is with me and that He is in control.
God is speaking to me, called by His name,
created for His glory, whom He formed and made.
PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for this wonderful promise. Help me to remember it especially when I am going through tough times. Amen.
I am reminded once again by His Word that it is the Lord my God who created me, who knows me by name and He paid the price for my deliverance. As I live for Jesus each day, He has promised that He will be with me whatever comes my way because I am precious in His sight, What a joy! What a comfort! to have the Lord, my mighty God, Redeemer and Friend with me always. He calls me by my name! He has created me for His purpose. He reveals His presence because He is Who He is. My God.
Lord, grant me the eyes that see and the ears that hear You at all times. Draw me close to You during the bad times and the good times, so that I am alwaya neareer, still nearer to You. My I daily see Your revealed presence and proclaim that You are my God. Help me Lord to be Your servant true – Your witness.