READ: Isaiah 41:10
Years ago, Rebecca Chestnut was held hostage in her apartment by a man who was suicidal and determined to take out his anger at God on her. He said to her, “By the time I’m through with you, you won’t believe in God; I’m going to take that hope right out of you.” In the midst of that horrific situation, Rebecca felt God saying to her, “Rebecca, I don’t promise you’re going to get out of the pain, but I promise to be there with you.” After several hours, she was able to escape. Today she says she is living more free than ever before because she knows that no matter what, that God is real and that God is with her and will see her through anything. Evil is real, but it can’t steal your hope, not when you know that you know that no matter what, God is with you. Maybe you are in a difficult place today. Perhaps you are walking through a valley of darkness and pain. God doesn’t always shield us from the pain, but God does promise to walk with us and to lead us through the valleys safe to the other side. I encourage you to take Isaiah 41:10, write it in a note card, and take it with you wherever you go. Memorize it. “Do not be afraid for I am with you. Do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and I will help you and I will hold you up in my victorious right hand.”
Years ago, Rebecca Chestnut was held hostage in her apartment by a man who was suicidal and determined to take out his anger at God on her. He said to her, “By the time I’m through with you, you won’t believe in God; I’m going to take that hope right out of you.” In the midst of that horrific situation, Rebecca felt God saying to her, “Rebecca, I don’t promise you’re going to get out of the pain, but I promise to be there with you.” After several hours, she was able to escape. Today she says she is living more free than ever before because she knows that no matter what, that God is real and that God is with her and will see her through anything. Evil is real, but it can’t steal your hope, not when you know that you know that no matter what, God is with you. Maybe you are in a difficult place today. Perhaps you are walking through a valley of darkness and pain. God doesn’t always shield us from the pain, but God does promise to walk with us and to lead us through the valleys safe to the other side. I encourage you to take Isaiah 41:10, write it in a note card, and take it with you wherever you go. Memorize it. “Do not be afraid for I am with you. Do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and I will help you and I will hold you up in my victorious right hand.”
– Dr. Tim Thompson