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you are God's

Isaiah 43:1
"But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and He that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine."

God is the creator of all. And, He has His chosen people. When the chosen was the nation of Israel, they experienced times of exile and hardship. And God provided divine protection and redemption. God reassures His people that, despite our suffering and the apparent hopelessness of our situation, we need not fear the future because He has redeemed us. The act of redemption is significant, as it implies a price has been paid, much like the Passover redemption where the firstborn were saved through the blood of a lamb.

In addition, God’s calling people by name signifies a personal relationship and adoption, indicating that His people belong to God and are precious in His sight. The verse concludes with the promise that God will be with His people through their trials, whether they are passing through waters, rivers, fire, or flames. This promise of divine presence and protection is meant to instill confidence and hope in the midst of difficulties.

In reality, the human condition comes with difficulties. We can meet these challenges with God, baptized, with an indelible mark on our souls. Transformed and dedicated to God. Washing away original sin and no longer under the power of sin. The old self, or the old nature, is seen as being done away with, so that we are no longer slaves to sin. OR, you can face the challenges of life, with all the complications of sin and add on the difficulties of being in rebellion against God. But, nobody's got time for that!
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