"God answers my prayers everywhere except on the golf-course."
Do not Fear
Do not FearDo not fear, for I am with you. Isaiah 43:5
I make no apology for writing another devotional on fear. Fear is so much part of the human experience. As people living in the world of sport, we are no less prone to fear than others.
It’s easy to say to someone, “Don’t be afraid”. Imagine that you are on a sinking ship or in a burning tower block and someone says, “don’t be afraid!” Will that help? You might be thinking, “Actually I have every reason to be afraid! The chances of getting out of this situation alive are not great”. I supposed, too, that it depends on who tells not to be afraid.
In Isaiah 43, it is God who tells the people not to be afraid. What is more, God gives people 4 four reasons not to be afraid.
I have redeemed you (v1)
The Old Testament people had a partial understanding of God as their redeemer. As Christians, we know that we are redeemed because Jesus has died for us. We are restored to relationship with God.
I have called you by name (v1)
As humans, we love it when people remember our name. Somehow we feel more important! How much more significant we can feel when we remember that God knows us by name!
I will be with you (v2)
Life is always easier in difficult situations when we’re not alone. It’s good to have a friend with us. How much greater to have God’s promise that He is with us.
I love you (v4)
We all need to be loved, but human love is nothing compared to the love of God. When we feel afraid we can remind ourselves that God loves us.
Whatever situation you are facing, don’t be afraid for God is with you.