by Desiree Bustamante

Trust in God your Creator when adversity floods your life.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you.
   O Israel, the one who formed you says,
“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.
    I have called you by name; you are mine.
When you go through deep waters,
    I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty,
    you will not drown.
When you walk through the fire of oppression,
    you will not be burned up;
    the flames will not consume you.
For I am the Lord, your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”
Isaiah 43:1-3 New Living Translation

If you look closely you’ll see that this is a baseball field, even though the ducks have claimed it as their pond. The Missouri river flooded earlier this year, and this park was covered in water. Even though this happened months ago, and the field has not dried out, the scheduled baseball games had to be moved to a new location.

There are times when we find ourselves in deep waters, and it seems as if it takes forever for us to dry out and for the land to be restored. Difficult times in life can derail our plans and hinder our purpose, even when those plans are grounded in God.

However, know this: God, who created you and called you by name, will be with you at all times. He sent His Son, whose birthday we celebrate this season, to banish our fears when we are in deep waters. Christ has redeemed us through His death and resurrection.

So, do not fear! Our Savior has promised that nothing on this earth can take you from His love, His will, and the mission that He has for you.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado