Today's daily devotion

Do Not Be Afraid

“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters,I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.”—ISAIAH 43:1–2 NLT

Trials are inevitable, a part of life. God uses them to refine us, to burn up the dross, to mold us into the image of Jesus Christ. Even He was not immune to the difficulties of life. Jesus faced persecution, mocking, and death on the cross.

But in the midst of all trouble, Jesus walks beside us. He holds our noses above the water; He wraps us in flame-retardant clothing. We will not drown, nor will we be consumed in the fiery furnace. Why? Because He ransomed us. He paid sin’s penalty, He delivered us from the slave market of sin, and He calls us by name.

So when you feel like you’re drowning in a flood of trouble and difficulty, breathe deeply and relax. Bodysurf across those waves. Even if the fire of oppression singes you, remember that His promise says you will not be consumed. He will satisfy your desires in the “scorched places” (Isaiah 58:11 NASB).

Face life with no fear—you are God’s.

Father, may I keep my focus on You today, not on the water that threatens to drown me or the fire that threatens to engulf me. I am Yours, and You will enable me to walk through the dangers that surround me.

Adapted from

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