Title: Do Not Fear (Click on the image for a larger version.)
Biblical Scripture:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through the fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you … you are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you." —Isaiah 43
Writer: Anonymous
Artist: Unknown
The Faith Story: Do Not Fear — Notes from an Anonymous Bible Reader
Notice Isaiah begins with something that is eventually going to happen, so you had better be prepared.
1. First God says, “I will be with you.” It matters little what you face when you know God is alongside to guide, comfort, and sustain.
2. “The river will not drown you,” God says.
3. “You will not be burned.” Remember the three Hebrew children in the fiery furnace? The God who delivered them will take you through your trial as well.
4. God says, “You are precious in my sight.” Think about that for a moment. What makes something precious? What may be precious to someone else may be junk to you. This means God cares about you.
5. God says, “You are honored.” That’s what grace is about—what God does for you that you don’t deserve.
6. Finally God said, “I love you!” Wow! That’s the entire message of the New Testament in three words. “I…love…you!” It’s the best news this side of heaven.