Read
Isaiah 43:1-5
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. Verse 2 (NIV)

Reflect
The year 2020 will be one all of us remember as a year we would rather not have again, because of dealing with the COVID19 virus.

I am so content in knowing that God understands the struggles of his people. Through Isaiah, God assured Israel of his power and presence as they were oppressed in exile. God reminded them of his power in the past, and God pointed to his promised presence now and for the future. The Red Sea had not swept over them as they left Egypt (Exodus 14), and in Babylon a fiery furnace would not burn Daniel’s friends (Daniel 3). God promised, “You are mine,” and “I will be with you always.”

The comfort in this passage, that God never let’s go as we face all kinds of dangers and struggles, is for God’s people both as a group and even for us as individuals. Nothing can destroy the people whom God has called, so we need not be afraid.

This year also brought our family some additional issues to deal with: heart surgery early in the year for me; the adoption process for our youngest son has been a series of problems and confusion, but in the end will be accomplished; our foster son was in the CCU at Sick Children’s hospital with Kawasaki Disease; my younger brother had heart surgery and a few weeks later was in a very serious car accident that kept him in hospital for weeks. I am not sure I want any more difficult issues to handle this year. But God did not allow us to be swept away, or burned, or even to lose hope.

We are blessed to know that almighty God personally promises to be our shield of protection as we navigate the harsh struggles of living in a fallen and broken world.

Pray
Almighty God and Loving Father, help me to trust you when life feels overwhelming and I am pummeled with problems. Thank you that I am precious to you and that your love is eternal. Amen.

God’s Protection

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