“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. 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.” (Isaiah 43:1b-2)

What sweet words of comfort! Spoken in the 8th century to a people who were facing fire and flood, these promises continue to speak to God’s people today. Our identity as the Lord’s possession - redeemed and summoned by name - and his presence with us is our guarantee of preservation. There will be tempestuous waters that threaten to sweep over us and drag us away and there will be menacing fires, but in it all the Lord will preserve us. Our task is set aside our fear and trust in the Lord’s resolve to preserve those he has redeemed.

Turn your eyes away from the wind and the waves and fix them on our Redeemer Jesus in whom the Lord’s determination to save and preserve us is made most clear.

“Do no fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine."

Marc Rader | Senior Pastor