You Are Mine

Three of my favorite words in the Bible are found in Isaiah 43:1.  God says to His people, "YOU ARE MINE."  Actually, Isaiah 43:1-2 are my favorite verses in the Bible.  Isaiah 43:1-3 says, "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 Saba in your stead."

As I have read the Bible, one thing is very clear to me: God is in the redeeming business!  We see God redeem His people Israel and call them by name.  He says to them, "YOU ARE MINE."  God is faithful and merciful, and it is because of His faithfulness and mercy that Israel is redeemed.  Redemption is not based on the merits of Israel; it is based on God's great love!  And God's great love is available to us today through His one and only Son, Jesus.  Redemption is a gift not just for Israel but for all mankind.  These words that were spoken to Israel in Isaiah 43 are just as powerful for us today.  We don't deserve nor can we earn God's faithfulness, mercy, grace, and love.  However, He offers it to us through our repentance of sin and faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior.  I am a child of God, and that is who I am (1 John 3:1).  I am God's special possession, and I have received His mercy (1 Peter 2:9-10).  I can say these things because of the perfect life, the sacrificial death, and the victorious resurrection of Jesus Christ!

I can also see in these passages that there will be times when the waters, the rivers, and the fires are overwhelming in my life.  There will be challenges in my life.  The challenges may come physically, financially, relationally, or even spiritually.  The challenges may come at home, at work, at church, or in the community.  However, God says to me, "I will be with you.  They will not sweep over you.  You will not be burned.  The flames will not set you ablaze."  I can rest in the promises of God.  He has called me out of darkness and into His wonderful light so that I might declare His praises to the world!  No matter what challenges I am facing today and no matter what challenges may come tomorrow, I know WHO I am, WHOSE I am, and WHY I am.  Thank You, Father, for calling me by name.  Thank You, Father, for saying to me personally, "YOU ARE MINE!" Thank You, Father, for You love, grace, and mercy in my life.  Thank You, Father, for giving me the opportunities over and over again to glorify You and to sing Your praises to the world.  Help me, Father, be who You created me to be and do what You created me to do.  Amen!