Isaiah 43:1 NIVUK 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.

Good morning and praise God. I hope you are having a good day. The joy of this life is when you experience a sense of belonging. Someone said that no man is an island. It is however possible and happens many times in our life journey that we experience challenges that makes us feel left alone. Israelites experienced such a season when God allowed them into the hands of Babylonians. I can imagine the fear as strong and energetic men faced the fear of being castrated in order to serve in the palace of this ruthless kingdom. It was a feeling of being robbed life. Their sin had caused all this but from our verse today, we see God of mercy sending them a message of encouragement, hope and restoration. God tell them "Do not fear , for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine." Israel in their prime they had forgotten the one they belonged to. It also happens in our lives that when things just work well, we forget there's one working it for us. Some starts crediting success to their efforts, diligence, knowledge and other self acts and takes glory that belongs to God. At such time , they open doors for the enemy and are easily carried to exile. In some other cases, it may just be some life tests like one Job went through. In all this, we maybe tempted to fall into identity crisis but my prayer is that we will always hold to this message of God that we shouldn't fear because God has redeemed us and called us by His name and we are His. Jesus Christ died for you and me on the cross and has promised not to leave us nor forsake us. Let us hold to this fact. God loves you, have a blessed day and weekend. Shalom. Shalom.