THUS SAYS THE LORD

I took some liberties on Isaiah 43. Thought I’d share.

In the series "the Chosen" we're introduced to Mary of Magdala, who as a child, along with her father, memorizes the first verse of Isaiah 43. As she grew, and life became difficult, she found herself more and more oppressed and lost all hope in the truth.

Jesus meets her in her hopelessness. He offers His hand. Being afraid, she runs away. But Jesus...
He speaks to her in a powerful way; with the very words she recognized deep in her soul.

Thus says the LORD...

This scene pierced my heart. It's forever burned into my memory. I've always identified with Mary Magdalene. I was so broken when Jesus came to get me. The Bible describes her as the one who had seven demons come out. I believe this is a picture of us. We all wrestle with those parts of us that we'd like to "come out."

My oppression is different than Mary of Magdala, different than yours. But Jesus speaks directly to me, to you, in that inner place, deep down in the soul, that place He set aside just for Him.

He has comforted me leading up to, in and through, this unknown season of life. He has spoken these words of Isaiah 43 into me, many times, and in many ways. I hope He uses them to  encourage you as much as He has me.

My child, you are afraid...

Thus says the Lord who created you,
He who formed you,
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
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 Savior. . . .

Because you’re precious in my eyes,
and honored, and I love you. . .
Fear not, for I am with you;. . .
My son, My daughter,. . .
Whom I created for my glory,
Whom I formed and made.". . .

"You are my witness," declares the Lord,
"and my servant whom I have chosen,
that you may know and believe me
and understand that I am He. . . .

I, I am the Lord,
and besides me there is no savior. . . ."

Thus says the Lord,
who makes a way in the sea,
a path in the mighty waters,. . .

"Remember not the former things,
Nor consider the things of old.
Behold, I am doing a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
And rivers in the desert. . . .

"I, I am He
who blots out your transgressions for My own sake,
And I will remember your sins no more. (emphasis mine)

As I walk through this life, I remind myself daily that any control I think I have is just an illusion. Any good in me is not because of who I am, but because of who Jesus is. I can't try to be better, I just need to keep my eyes on Him and my desires will line up with His. Because He loves me, He will do and allow whatever He needs to in order to shave off those rough edges. If I try to "cast out" those things I want gone, they seem to only get bigger.

So, I echo Paul who said, "Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Can I get an Amen!?

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