Reading the Bible with me? Then grab your pen and journal and read Isaiah 43-45. The recurring theme in these three chapters is “Fear Not!” Fear is of the devil when it strikes at the heart of a follower of Jesus. There is no other source. Now I am not writing about a healthy fear. Fear of a rattlesnake is common sense. But quite often, the devil will plant fear into our minds and usually it is fear of things that have not happened and over which we have no control. He knows that if he can make you afraid, he can strip away your power. So, how do we quench those fiery darts of fear? The key is to abide in the Lord Jesus. Jesus speaks of this in John 15: 5-8. When you die to self each day and live to honor the Lord Jesus and glorify the Father, the Holy Spirit is free to move, work, speak and pray through you. In writing to Timothy, Paul wrote these words: “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and sound judgment.” That is not our power. It is the power of the Lord Jesus in us. Throughout these three chapters, after telling us not to fear, God guarantees that He will enable us to endure the storms, floods, and fires throughout our lives. Chapter 45:1-2, tells us, “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 will not overflow you, nor will the flame burn you.” He is the Lord God, and we are His children! Chapter 43:5 repeats His promise. “Do not fear, for I am with you.”
Chapter 44:22, He tells us to remember, “I have wiped out your transgressions like a thick cloud and your sins like a heavy mist. He redeems us through the blood of the Lord Jesus and sets us apart as His representatives in a dark and hostile world. We are to be the light and salt that exposes sins and presents the Gospel as the Way to forgiveness, transformation, and purpose. We have no reason to fear! In your routines and surprises this week, make disciples, and teach them to obey all that our Lord Jesus has commanded. Do it with love, confidence, and courage, for He is always with us.
