2020 Daily Devotion - Day 43

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A woman went to the doctor’s office where she was seen by one of the new doctors, but after about 4 minutes of being in the examination room, she burst out screaming as she ran down the hall. An older doctor stopped her and asked her what the problem was, and she told him her story. After listening, he had her sit down and he told her to go relax in another room. The older doctor marched down hallway to the back where the first doctor was, and emphatically asked, “What’s the matter with you? Mrs. Terry is 63 years old; she has four grown children and seven grandchildren, and you told her she was pregnant?" The new doctor continued to write on his clipboard and without looking up said, "Does she still have the hiccups?"

I suppose fear might be able to cure hiccups, however, I know fear does many other things which are not helpful. Fear can cause people to be stuck and frozen. Fear will keep you from taking new steps. Fear will prevent you from living out God’s plan for your life.
This is why we need to replace fear with faith. Faith in the One who is almighty and everlasting. Faith in the One who always keeps His promises. Here is one of His many promises to you. Read this passage out loud and replace the names of Jacob and Israel with your own name.

Isaiah 43:1-3a
But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “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 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.

Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, too many times we have not lived by faith. We have been waiting for the “other shoe to drop”. We just know bad news is around the corner. But You have made a promise that when we go through the rivers, it will not overwhelm us; when we walk through the fire, we will not be burned. Today, remind us of Your promise so we can have strength and courage. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Yours because of Him,
Pastor John R. Steward
Senior Pastor
Mount of Olives Church
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