"Do not fear; I will help you.” ~Isaiah 1:13

“For I am the Lord your God Who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” ~Isaiah 1:13

Do you remember Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego? God didn’t put out the fire, He put Himself there with them. It’s not about getting out of bad situations, it’s about Who is there with you.

“I will never leave you or forsake you.” “I am with you until the end of the age.” “I am sending you a comforter.” “You are in Me and I in you. You are one with Me as I am one with the Father.”

As I read these familiar words spoken by Jesus, I am suddenly struck with the realization of what they truly say. I have no right to be afraid, to worry or panic. The God of the Universe has my back! All the time!

When I hear of Christians in other countries being tortured and martyred for their faith, it makes me question myself. What would I do if put in their situation?  Would I be like these friends of Daniel who clung to God in the face of certain death? Or would I cave in and deny Him, like Peter did the night before the crucifixion. Thankfully, God showed us that Peter was forgiven in John 21:15-25.

One thing is certain, no matter what - God is with you in the worst of places and the best of places. He may not take you out of your situation, but He will be there with you.

Thank you, God, for your never-ending love, your faithful kindness and assurance that no matter what we’ve done, You will never, ever, EVER leave us and long to restore us into the men and women YOU designed us to be.