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Each day, each year, will bring with it difficulty. That’s because we live in a world that has been broken and distorted by sin; sin that humanity has both internalized and personalized. The world has gone wonky and it can’t rectify the problem, because what is broken cannot fix itself. That is why Jesus Christ came, lived, died in our place and was raised to life to bring about a new creation in all who would believe Him and receive His gift of eternal life…a new heart and a new spirit filled with His Spirit.

Remember, Jesus told His followers that “In this world you will have tribulation, but take good courage, I have overcome the world.” In Isaiah 43:1-7 the Lord God states clearly, ““But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the One who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are Mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”

Not that the Lord God doesn’t say, “IF you go through deep water…or walk through fires of oppression…” He says “WHEN…” Note also, please note, that He said that He would be with us in it all. In the brokenness of this world, in the relentless spiritual warfare going on all around you, you are not alone. He says, “Do not fear, for I am with you.” That is actually a command, “DO NOT FEAR!”

The troubles that are sure to come this year are not to worry us. When they come, they are not to overwhelm us because we no longer rely on ourselves, but on God, Who raises the dead. Who you are in Christ Jesus cannot be taken away from His love by anything in all creation.

Some have said that when you are in dire straits, the Lord will come to you. Actually, that makes it seem He is somewhere, far off, and needs to be summoned in prayer. Not so. For the believer, He dwells within you, permanently. He is life within you. He rises up within us to meet every need; He is, as He said, WITH US because He is IN us.

Do not fear what the world fears. Do not fear the unknown. To the One who dwells in you, NOTHING is unknown. You are His. He has called you by name. He has redeemed you. Do not fear!


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