For Those Who Are Overwhelmed...

A few weeks ago I posted this on my facebook account with the intent to post it here also... but it never happened.  Well I'm posting it now, because this same verse is once again providing me comfort.

Isaiah 43

Fear not, for I have redeemed you, O Israel;

I have called you by name, you are mine.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;

and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;

when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,

and the flame shall not consume you.

For I am the Lord your god,

the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour.

You are precious in my eyes, and honored,

and I love you.

If the waters your're wading through seem like they're going to sweep you away, take heart in knowing that He's in control of both the waters and the wader.. He has called YOU by name and YOU are His. Look to Him and see what love and sacrifice he offers in Jesus. We don't have to be perfect. We don't have to be strong. We don't even have to be good people. He meets us when we call, he expects our weakness, and he loves us through our sins. He gave his son in sacrifice for a world of people who will never deserve it. The only thing he asks of us is that we trust him with everything that we are, that we are His. It doesn't make the hard times easier.. just better, less overwhelming, giving comfort... and giving us hope - the kind of hope that only comes from knowing that when this life ends, a much better life begins.

I have called you by name, and you are mine.