Isaiah 41:13 Isaiah prophesied about God’s coming judgment of Israel as if it had already happened, as if their suffering was already upon them. “Fear not, there is nothing to fear, for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My victorious right hand of righteousness and justice“. God‘s prophetic Word of judgment spoken through Isaiah came at a time when adultery, idolatry, disobedience, and rebellion against God had corrupted Israel to the core. In the midst of sin, God warns us. He bids us to ‘Come back’ to Him, and gives us time to make better choices. In Exodus, Israel’s Deliverer showed up at the edge of the Red Sea. With Egyptian chariots behind and deep waters before them, scripture says they were exceedingly frightened and cried out to the Lord. Moses told the people, fear not; stand still and see the salvation of the Lord…The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace and remain at rest”. Fear not…For I am with you… and, I will fight for you… Fear distracts us. He blocks our vision and covers our ears so we can’t see or hear our Lord. Fear opens the door to his ‘buddies’, Anxiety, Anger, Frustration, Discouragement… all of which freezes us in the moment, unable to move. We’ve not been given a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power and love, and of calm and well balanced mind and discipline and self-control. Power is the key… Matthew relates a miraculous event. Peter, focused on Jesus, walked on water until he looked around. Distracted by the storm and feeling the waves at his feet he started to sink. His help came from Jesus, lifting him out of the water. He’s our help, too. Whatever we’re afraid of, we give it to You, Lord. Help us, in Your power, to overcome spirits of Fear, of Anxiety and Worry, and anything that would keep us from being who You created us to be. We rest in Your Gr