We are continuing to look at some of your favorite Bible verses that you’ve sent to me.  If you have a favorite verse or a verse you’ve wondered about, email or send me a message! 

Today we will look at Isaiah 41: 10-13: 

10 do not fear, for I am with you;
    do not be afraid, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you; I will help you;
    I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
11 All who are incensed against you
    shall be ashamed and disgraced;
those who strive against you
    shall be as nothing and shall perish.
12 You shall seek those who contend with you,
    but you shall not find them;
those who war against you
    shall be as nothing at all.
13 For I, the Lord your God,
    hold your right hand;
it is I who say to you, “Do not fear,
    I will help you.”

We know that to better understand a passage, it’s important for us to look at the greater context of what is happening.  Isaiah 40 and 41 are great words of encouragement to Israel. God will save them, God will deliver them.  They do not need to fear, for God is their God.  

This is very important.  But for us to understand what is happening, we have to look at Isaiah 39.  In Isaiah 39 we see that Babylon is at the door.  We see that Isaiah tells the king of the coming destruction.  It will be bad.  The young will be hauled away into exile.  But the eking is relieved, for in his mind that will not happen during his lifetime.  This is a misunderstanding.  

What happens in Isaiah 40 and following is a response to Isaiah 39.  Yes, God is with you, do not be afraid, do not worry, do not give up. But that does not mean that there will not be trying times. Because there will be. There will be hard times. There will be trials. There will be hurts. 

It will not always be pleasant. But you will get through it.  God is with you.  No matter how bad it may seem right now, don’t give up, because God is with you.  You will make it. You will survive. 

It will get better.  

This is a word of encouragement in response to difficult days.  Do not fear.  I will help you.  I will strengthen you.  You will make it. 

That’s a word of hope to us, no matter what we are going through today.  You will make it. Do not give up, or give in. God is with you.  You will make it.  He is your strength, your shield, your protection.  You will make it.    

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