Precious and Honored

PASSAGE FOR THE DAY:
Isaiah 43 (click the link)


KEY VERSES:
10      “So do not fear, for I am with you;

do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10, NIV) 

1        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.” (Isaiah 43:1-5, NIV)

 

REFLECTIONS:

This passage is a characteristic announcement of divine presence. The recurring promise of God's presence is the most fundamental assurance given throughout the Scriptures. God is with us: ours is a with-God life. The announcement itself radically transforms situations by inspiring an awareness of God's presence. In the Gospel presentations of Jesus' life, the same “Do not be afraid” is used at key points. The birth and the resurrection of Jesus are decisive events in the history of the world that evoke from God the transformative announcement of his presence (see Luke 2:10 and Matthew 28:5). He is with us. Therefore, we need not be afraid.

 

………

 

This passage in Isaiah 43 is one of the most meaningful scriptures in my life. In the years immediately following my spinal injury, I felt completely overwhelmed. I literally felt as if I was drowning in the midst of a swollen river. I felt trapped in a burning building, unable to escape the despair that came with paralysis. Although I was surrounded by family and friends, I felt totally alone. I felt abandoned by God. Doubt and fear consumed me. I honestly didn't know if I would be able to make it through the pain and anguish I was experiencing. 

 

But, thankfully, somewhere along the way, I happened upon this passage. I read it, and wept.  

“Do not fear… I have redeemed you… You are mine… I will be with you… The rivers will not sweep over you… The flames will not set you ablaze… You are precious and honored in my sight… I love you… Do not be afraid… I am with you.”

When I read this passage, I felt as if God was speaking directly to me. His words carried a force and a weight. There was a heaviness—an authority—behind his words, and I knew they were meant for me. 

 

God's words were a balm for my soul. The promise of his presence brought hope and comfort, encouragement and inner fortitude. His promise of deliverance buoyed me and gave me strength to press on. His repeated declarations of love settled down deep in my heart and restored my desire to live. 

 

For the first time in my life, I understood my true identity. I knew that I was precious and honored in God's sight. I knew that I was loved with an unconditional love. And that knowledge transformed my experience. I no longer felt overwhelmed. I not only knew that I would make it through the heartache and pain of paralysis, I knew that I would experience the very best of life. And I knew this, because I was assured of God's presence.

 

 

POINT OF PONDER:

Too often we forget that we are precious in God's sight, honored, and loved. Read these words again. Hear them spoken directly to you. See what they do for your sense of security in God's love.

 

 

WHO AM I?

I am Tres Sansom, and I am so grateful for my family. I'm married to a woman more incredible than I could ever describe. We are about to adopt two amazingly resilient children, who are just perfect for our family. I've got world-class parents, a tremendous brother, a super-loving sister. I couldn't dream of having better in-laws, grandparents, aunts, uncles, or cousins. I feel so incredibly blessed to be a part of such an amazing family. Thank you, Father!