You Will Never Walk Alone

Loneliness is one of the worst afflictions that can ever befall us. We all end up there at some point. Sometimes it's a short-term condition. Other times, it seems to go on forever. To make matters worse, loneliness is often exacerbated by ill health, poverty, the loss of a loved one, betrayal … it's like rubbing salt into the wound. And the longer it goes on, fear, despondency and hopelessness set in. At a very difficult time in their history, amidst affliction that had been brought upon Israel by their own rebellion, God said this to His people: Isaiah 43:1-2 … the LORD created you. Israel, he made you, and now he says, "Don't be afraid. I saved you. I named you. You are mine. When you have troubles, I am with you. When you cross rivers, you will not be hurt. When you walk through fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not hurt you. Yesterday we chatted about God's purpose in refining our character by allowing us to pass through the furnace of affliction. "Furnace" is such an apt description. You just want to get out of there. But listen, He does have a purpose – and more importantly, He's in there with you. When you have troubles, I am with you. When you cross rivers, you will not be hurt. When you walk through fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not hurt you. That's God's promise. That's His Word. Fresh … for you … today.