Do Not Fear!
Scripture Reading — Isaiah 41:9-10
"Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God." Isaiah 41:10
As a young woman, my grandmother Natalia lived through World War II: occupation, deaths of relatives and friends, bombardments, and hunger. She didn't like talking about those cruel experiences. But she often recalled her long prayers in the cold basement where her family hid in fear. They thought they were going to die, and yet somehow she sensed that the Lord was near.
In today's passage the Lord tells us, "Do not fear, for I am with you." God knows we will go through difficult times in our lives. There will be hard moments when we'll feel scared and helpless, lonely and insecure. From our reading for today, though, we can note three reasons not to fear.
First, God has called us from the ends of the earth and chosen us to be his. That's the surest proof of God's love and concern for us. We are his!
Second, God is with us. He knows what circumstances we are going through, and he is suffering with us. He is near!
Third, the Lord reminds us that he is our God. He is on our side, and he is faithful!
As we journey through life, it's important to remember that even in the midst of terrible struggles the Lord is with us. That's why we should not fear. In his amazing grace, God will strengthen, help, and uphold us.
Lord, thank you for being with us even when we go through difficult times. Your love comforts us, and your presence gives us strength. Praise be to you always! Amen.
About the author — Sergei Sosedkin
Rev. Sergei Sosedkin is the Russian-language ministry leader for ReFrame Ministries. He is a native of Moscow, Russia. As he oversees the Russian-language ministry, Rev. Sosedkin works from our office in Grand Rapids and in various locations in Russia.
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