Claimed by God // Isaiah 43:2
Isaiah 43:1b-3a (NIV) | “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. 2 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. 3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; …“
I vividly remember when this passage became real to me. It was during my dad’s battle with cancer at the time we knew he would not be healed on this side of heaven. I felt like I was drowning in my own tears while burning up from within due to the flames of my blazing anger. A friend shared those verses with me and they struck me anew. If you feel you are drowning in the tears of your own grief, or are set ablaze by anger, know that God is with you. And do not fear what will happen next, because God promised to redeem even the worst things you endure. Let Him help you find perspective. Let Him bring you comfort. He is the Holy One, uncorrupted and uncommon. He wants you to be the same and promises to help you even when the flood waters rise and the inferno’s flames try to burn us down. God claims us as His own, so trust Him!
