Isaiah 43:1-5 New International Version (NIV)
Israel’s Only Savior
But now, this is what the Lord says--
he who created you, Jacob,
he who formed you, Israel:
“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 give Egypt for your ransom,
Cush and Seba in your stead.
4 Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
and because I love you,
I will give people in exchange for you,
nations in exchange for your life.
5 Do not be afraid, for I am with you;
I will bring your children from the east
and gather you from the west.
I HAVE CALLED YOU BY NAME ~
Jacob heard the call of God. God told him not to be afraid, for I am with you. God's plan began to unfold and things were promises just in these five scriptures above. God told him I will bring your children. Has God ever spoke to you and said do this, but you hold back? Is there a desire within your heart that is unseen but seen by God? Too much time goes by in doubt or being afraid to step into your purpose. I have made that mistake myself. I think at times I am not good enough or I don't have a ministers license to press forward in my calling. Yet, I know clearly that God said do this and I will bless your family. It's time to just jump in and stop trying to step in.
I remember a time at the Lake House when my Grandchildren encouraged me to jump into a swimming pool with a life jacket on. That was so scary for me, but as they kept saying you can do this. Little kids who were not afraid to jump in and I knew my example mattered. So I did and I was okay. I had to pass this test in order to go out on the boat to do tubing for the first time in my life. I did it and I loved tubing so much that day. Over 60 years old and trying new things.
FEAR ~
It goes back to my passed, when my dad told me to jump into a lake and I would swim. I did not swim that day, but found myself scared and someone had to rescue me. I am using this example today because God rescues us just like that. If we let fear overcome us, we have let the enemy of our soul win. If we use wisdom and jump when God says, all is good. I hope you see the connected between my example and my life now. I have jumped into a ministry of overcoming my pass to enter a new beginning daily with God. I write to give hope to others and hope you see yourself the way God does too.
My prayers continue for you, your family and friends.
~ Sparkie