God’s Big Heartedness

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 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;
I give Egypt for your ransom,
Cush and Seba in your stead.

Isaiah 43:1-3

I love this verse from the bible, and in her book "The Organic God" Margaret Fineberg reminds us that in three short verses, God manages to remind us that no matter what we have done or left undone, we are still HIS. He has created us and redeemed us and summons us to himself. No matter where we go, no matter what we pass through-whatever elements of this world we are exposed to-his protection is secure. He is Lord. He is God. He is Holy. He is Savior. In our brokenness, imperfection, and sin he whispers three holy words: You are mine.

She goes on to say that the Organic God extends a big-hearted invitation that says "I will not only go before you in this journey and make it possible - I will also go with you, today, and everyday."

This struck me so tenderly in a time where I always feel so disconnected (summer). When Bible study has gone on hiatus and you're not meeting once a week with your prayer partners. For me it's even more than that, but that's another story. I picked up this book (from a previous Bible study) and the tender simple words and thoughts led me to dive deeper into this sweet gem from scripture. The verse is filled with simple but powerful promises of hope and love. The promise spoke volumes, and simply said that no matter my disconnection, I am HIS and He is here, always and forever. Now isn't that enough to fill the summer void!

By the way we may have extra copies of this book at church. If you are interested let me know. I promise you will be delighted in the simple and pure nature of the writer, and it will take you places in scripture that you know and love. It is the perfect summer read.

Peace ~ Sylvia