But now, this is what the LORD says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, 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. 3 For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
-Isaiah 43:1-3 NIV
Today marks a full month that we as the Mandarin Family have been engaging each other remotely rather than in person. If you’re like me, you feel like you’re missing something! As wonderful as technology may be, there is no cyber substitute for a hug, a fist bump, a face-to-face encounter with my brothers and sisters. I miss you terribly, and the moment we reunite will be a sweetness unlike anything I’ve experienced in my lifetime.
Until that day, I find great comfort in the above words spoken by God through his prophet, Isaiah. As I reflect on these words, I am reminded that Paul calls the Church the Israel of God. He has redeemed us. He has called us by name. We belong to Him. And because we belong to Him, His presence goes with us through the waters, through the fire, through this trying moment, through every trying moment.
In this trying moment, God is with us. Talk to Him this week. Listen to Him this week. He is as close as you will allow Him to be.
-Mike