But now, this is what the Lord says,
He who created you, O Jacob,
He who formed you, O Israel:
Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name, you are mine.
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.
For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
Isaiah 43: 1-3
This promise actually refers to Israel only. However, our Lord has created you and me as well. Therefore we may include also our names. "He has created and formed us"
More with love, patience, gentleness, meekness than with rigor and strictness He has formed us. His correction is quickly done, however His love is timeless. We should seek close communion with God, the Father. In verse 7 you read: "Everyone who is called by my name, I created for my glory, I formed and made."
God does not accept that the glory is with the enemy. He does not allow, that the enemy wins and that we are seriously wounded. We are His children! The enemy may rage as he likes, God is always more powerful and keeps His word against us.
Nor does God leave the honor to us human beings, how good we may be, whatever we are able to do, how splendid we preach, sing, or paint. No, He has created and formed us; He is the source of all. All glory to Him alone!
Because He loves us so much, has created, formed, and made us, and as He deserves all honor, we can therefore be happy and content today. The more we are bound to Him the more He is able to bless, form protect us, and can use us, can hand over responsibility.
Thank you, Father in Heaven, You love us so much! Never You will leave honor and victory to the enemy. Devotedly You will stay at our side. Even the greatest afflictions will turn out to honor You and we will be saved. How marvelous that You are our Lord.
Bible reading – Isaiah 43, 1 – 13