God has called His people by name. He has removed every obstacle to make our knowing Him possible, removing the barriers of sin and shame. We are His. That means whatever experiences He sends our way, or are meant for our harm from the evil one, we will endure them with God suffering alongside us. Amazing!

Isaiah 43:1-2 bring God’s care into light:

1 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.

2 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.

Do you see God’s promise? He will be with them. He will be with us! This promise was directed towards the Israelites in the midst of a dark season in their history. They were hardened against God in their hearts, and headed out into exile. But God was going with them. The great difference between the God of the Bible and the supposed “gods” of any other religion or philosophy is that Jesus is God who came near, and suffered with us. His nature holds true today. He will never leave us or forsake us.

• Think of this: What are you currently going through that makes God seem small and not present with you? How can your thinking be corrected? We must realize that He is with us in our pain. In fact, He’s closer then than when we all is going well. When going through tough times it is easy to ask God, “Can You get me out of this?” Perhaps we could ask a different question: “God, what can I get out of this, with your help?”