What to Do in Tough Times - From His Heart - Week of October 14, 2016

Everywhere you look these days, people are running scared.  They are scared about the falling economy… they are scared about their finances... they are scared about their job… they are scared about the future.  Have you felt the fear welling up inside of you as you turn on the news and hear report after report of depressing information?
 
What does God have to say about it all?

But now, thus says the LORD, your Creator, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine!  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you.”  Since you are precious in My sight, since you are honored and I love you…” Isaiah 43:1-2, 4

God tells you and me not to fear… and He gives solid reasons why we don’t have to.

1. He has redeemed you.  He has bought us back (that is what redeemed literally means, to buy back).  2000 years ago, Jesus died on the cross and rose again from the dead to purchase you.  Now the transaction does not become complete until you give your life to Him… but when you do, you can rest assured that you are His.  AND GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF THOSE WHO ARE HIS!

2. He is with you.  The moment you give your life to Jesus, He comes to live inside of you by His Spirit.  Can you comprehend that?  The great God of the universe lives inside everyone who has truly given his/her life to Him.  What possibly could you and I have to fear when Jesus is with us?  

When my kids were little, they often got scared at night.  I remember times when one of my daughters would show up at my side of the bed at 3:00 a.m. after having a bad dream.  The fear factor was HIGH!  I would open the covers and have them get in bed with me.  As I wrapped my arms around their little frames, I could just feel them relax.  No nightmare monster was going to harm them while they were in the strong arms of their daddy.  SUCH IS THE CASE WITH YOU AND ME!!!! 
 
Notice that Isaiah 43:2 says “WHEN” not “if” when it speaks of rivers and waters and fires and troubles.  Those difficulties are a reality of life.  Everyone will face them… but a Christian never faces them alone.  He is with us.  Our Creator who can speak worlds into existence is with us. 
 
Daniel was thrown into the lion’s den.  Yet God was in there with him and Daniel suffered no harm.  Yet, when the evil men who manipulated the king to throw Daniel to the lions where thrown in, they were consumed before they even hit the ground.  When God is with us, we face problems with His strength and protection.  How cool is that?!!!

3. He loves you.  God makes it clear that we are precious to Him.  He loves us and says we matter to Him.  Anyone who loves you enough to die for you is worthy of ALL your trust.  And because He loves you, you can be assured that He will never drop you in the grease.  He will be faithful to bring you through and bring you home, safe and sound.  

In stressful and fearful days, make sure to hide these three comforting truths in your heart.  God is truly able… and He will see you through!  Who do I know?  Because He said so! 

Love,