Do Not Be Afraid
(Letters of John Newton)
How wonderful is Christ's administration in His kingdom of grace! He is present with all His creatures--but in a special manner with His own people--each of whom are monuments of His saving power. For He finds them all in a state of rebellion and enmity--and makes them His willing people! From the moment that He reveals His love to them--He espouses their cause, and takes all their concerns into His own hands. He is near and attentive to every one of them--as if there were only that one!
This high and lofty One, who inhabits eternity, before whom the angels veil their faces--condescends to hold communion with those whom men despise. He passes by the kings and the princes--to manifest Himself to a humble soul in a mud-walled cottage! He . . .
comforts them when in trouble,
strengthens them when weak,
makes their beds in sickness,
revives them when fainting, and
upholds them when falling!
He so wisely and effectually manages for them, that, though they are persecuted and tempted, though their enemies are many and mighty--nothing is able to separate them from His love!
We shall find Him, in all situations--to be our sun, shield, and exceeding great reward! He says to all of His children, "Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you! I have called you by name--you are Mine! When you go through deep waters and great trouble--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.
HT: Grace Gems
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