Dear Sisters In The Lord,
Please take the time to read Isaiah 43.
As we enter into the 2nd month of our New Year, I begin to re-evaluate where I’m heading, where have I put my emphasis and am I meeting my goals? Oh we humans, we forget so quickly the promises and goals God has for us, and we focus on “it’s all about me”. That’s why reading Isaiah 43 reminds me of what God has for me. Where my focus should be, am I remembering His goals for me, where He wants me to grow, help, and step out in faith?
“Do not fear, I have redeemed you, I have called you by name,
You are mine.” vs. 1
WOW! God knows me so intimately. He doesn’t have to look me up or read a blog or bio on me. No Facebook or Instagram for Him. I am His. He saved me! Hope by now you’re holding your Bible in your hands and reading along with me in Isaiah 43. Look at verse 2. He is assuring me He is always there. Everything that happens to me goes through His hands. He will be holding on to me through the times that overwhelm me and through the trials that may crush me.
“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.” vs. 2
He holds me close because “He is the Lord my God, the Holy one of Israel, my Savior.” vs. 3
When I need a boost or reminder, I read vs. 4; I am precious in His sight, I am honored and He loves me.
Vs. 5 reminds me again not to fear for He is with me. He tells me He will gather my offspring - what a promise for those with family members who wander away from Him.
“Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west.”
Did you know, as you go down your list of goals, that God says He already has a big job for us?
“You are my witnesses, my servant” vs. 10
He wants to continually use us so we may know who He is, believe in Him, understand Him and bring glory to our God who was there before all things. So re-evaluate yourself. Don’t get upset that your list of resolutions isn’t being fulfilled. Read all of Isaiah 43 and bask in the knowledge that He already has a list for you to follow and hold close. You just have to let go and let God. Don’t look back to 2018. He has much more for us in 2019. Look around, listen and obey. vs. 18-19.
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
He has redeemed us,
sharon