March 6, 2001
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.
Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you,
I will give men in exchange for you, and people in exchange for your life.
Isaiah 43: 2, 4
We've all probably heard the saying that a person needs ten encouragements to every one constructive thing you want to tell them. It occurred to me that God has certainly done that with his people. The book of Isaiah is so full of His encouragements! He tells his people the hardest things they or we will ever hear but there is far more encouragement, love an reassurance there than anything else. God never promises an easy life, he never says we won't have a life with struggle, hardship or even discipline. What God always does is reassure us of his love and presence. No matter what goes on whether it's of our own doing or just the way life happens some times. We are precious to him, he isn't ashamed to own us ("you are mine" - vs 1) and he promises he will always be there.