“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 43:1-2)

Happy Friday, everyone! Hope is acknowledging that God is faithful, steadfast, and true. God is faithful in the past, steadfast in the present, and true in the future to keeping His promises. Hope for Christians means that we recognize the ever-faithful presence of Jesus each day, because God is steadfast in the present.

When God’s people suddenly encounter something they didn’t expect, God, throughout Scripture, tells them, “Fear not. Do not be afraid. Be strong and courageous.” Not because the unexpected thing isn’t frightening, nor perhaps because it’s not dangerous – He tells His people to not be afraid because He is and will be with them.

Listen to Him say just that in Isaiah 43:1-2, “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.”

So as we go into this weekend, let us go confidently, knowing that Jesus is steadfast in the presence of our daily lives.

Prayer
Lord, thank you for being a Savior who is with us. There isn’t a step we take, nor a challenge we face without You next to us. Keep us walking into this new year with our faith and hope anchored in you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.