Do not be afraid
But as for you, Israel my servant, Jacob my chosen one, descended from Abraham my friend, I have called you back from the ends of the earth, saying, ‘You are my servant.’ For I have chosen you and will not throw you away. Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand... For I hold you by your right hand—I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.’ Isaiah 41:8-10, 13 NIV
Several times from the text, God wants His followers to overcome their fear by drawing strength from His greatness. He longs for the commitment of His people instead of trusting their idols. God is committed to us for He called us. Once we realize this and have a clear sense of who we are before God, we become overcomers. Our helpless idols will not be able to prop up our emotions. We have a sovereign God who will strengthen and help us. He will hold us up with His “victorious right hand.” As His servants, God will not neglect us for He will act responsibly. This is God’s assurance for us. Though we may be persecuted and drawn to fire because of our faith in Him, He promised that He will be our shield and defender. “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety” (Psalm 18:2). Just like what the text says, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.” Let us not give in to fear. Let us ponder upon the purpose of the trials we are facing. Let us not cower in the face of suffering for we are called upon to remain steadfast for our Lord also suffered for our sake. “For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him” (Philippians 1:29). Let us set aside our idols or anything that takes away the position of preeminence of God in our lives. Instead, let us live for God with a courageous faith having the assurance that God is with us.
Blessings,
