Faithfulness

Fear not, for I have redeemed you,

I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

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.

For I am the Lord, your God,

the Holy One of Israel, your Savior...

Isaiah 43:1-3

Yesterday I shared my surprise at our stubborn child's sudden change of heart after years of battle. We've begun day three of the new attitude. It's just as wonderful today as it was Sunday. Refreshing. Very much appreciated.

Those battle years were really tough. Many times, I cried or screamed in frustration. Our other kids learned that I get really angry when I am afraid. I was often afraid, fearful that our child would never develop a sense of right and wrong. I feared for this child's future. My heart broke - often.

If I had to go through it again (and I really hope I don't!), I hope I would remember this passage:

Fear not, for I have redeemed you,

I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

Fear not, Karen, for I, your God, have redeemed you.

I have called you by name, Karen; you are mine. You are not your own.

Your child, too, is mine.

When you pass through the waters,

I will be with you;

When your child lies without care,

I will be with you. You do not fight that battle alone.

I love your child and will not forget.

and when you pass through the rivers,

they will not sweep over you.

When your child persists in greediness and destructiveness,

I will be with you. Though you fear for this child, I promise you will not be overwhelmed.

I am bigger than even this behavior, and I will get you both through it.

This is not the end. You will not drown.

When you walk through the fire,

you will not be burned;

the flames will not set you ablaze.

When your child glares at you with cold, vacant eyes, seemingly without care,

you do not bear this pain and fear alone.

I will protect your heart. I am bigger than this.

I am with your child, too. This is not the end.

For I am the Lord, your God,

the Holy One of Israel, your Savior...

Because I am YOUR God, the Holy One, Your Savior.

I was, am and always will be. You are not forgotten.

You do not fight this battle alone. Neither does your child.

Isaiah 43:1-3

God is God over all. He never changes. He cares about my pain. He cares about your pain. What do you need to give to Him today?