Courage in Adversity
Another long day of travel. But this one, is bringing me home. I enjoyed this week in Washington D.C. and will share about my conference in coming days.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Now this is what the Lord says, the One who formed you, Israel— “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine. I will be with you when you pass through the waters, and when you pass through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. You will not be scorched when you walk through the fire, and the flame will not burn you. ” Isaiah 43:1,2 HCSB
God’s people were headed for tough times. Their sin and rebellion had brought God’s judgment and correction. They were going to be exiles in a foreign land.
It is in facing this unknown future the Lord speaks through His prophet these words of encouragement. The courage that is found in hardship and adversity is not assurance that we are “bullet proof” from all harm. It is found in two key concepts. The Lord says, ” you are mine” and “I will be with you.”Â
We see this vividly in the story of the “three Hebrew children” in the fire. We see it with Daniel in the lion’s den. But we are not guaranteed, to escape all harm, but we are guaranteed that the Lord will  be with us and we have the assurance we belong to Him.
God’s promise to be with His people is seen throughout the Bible. The final assurance is when Jesus ascended, “I am with you always, even to the end of the world.” (Matthew 28:20)
Pastor Mark Batterson says, “I need to know two things, God is with me and God is for me.” I have said the assurance of God’s presence, gives confidence that what God does not keep us from, He is able to see us through.
Batterson observes, “If God is for us it doesn’t matter what comes against us. Without Him we can do nothing. With Him we can do all things. When we let God turn me, into we….it is life altering….”
Prayer for today…. “Lord help me to remember that I am Yours and You are with me. When trouble comes, it is never just me, but we who encounter it together. Thank You for making me victorious through You”