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b'Fear shows its face in a lot of ugly ways. It distorts the way we view the future and the past. It creates worst-case scenarios in our minds and builds walls around our hearts.\\nFear is a tool of the enemy. But God reminds us again and again that we have no reason to buy into fear\\u2019s lies.\\nIn the book of Isaiah, the prophet warns Israel that their rebellion has consequences. Yet, hope is woven through this book: hope for Jerusalem, hope for the nations, hope in God\\u2019s promises, and hope in the coming King.\\nThis hope is the reason that, as God\\u2019s children, we do not have to be afraid.\\nSure, the world gives us reasons to fear. A glimpse at our world right now reveals an abundance of division, pain, and injustice. But to cower in fear is to ignore the hope Jesus brought us when He died on the cross and rose again. Jesus defeated death. If the One who conquered the grave is on our side, what do we have to fear?\\nThe book of Isaiah contains scathing words about God\\u2019s judgment, but the contrasting words of hope and mercy are an inseparable piece of the story. In Isaiah 43, God tells the people of Israel that He has redeemed them and called them by name and will be with them always. He tells them not to fear when they pass through rivers or walk through fire, because He loves them.\\nThese same words apply to us today, if we have put our trust in Jesus. We do not have to be afraid. No matter what happens, God is with us. He has restored us and adopted us into His family. He loves us so much that He sent His only Son to die for us.\\nAnd with the Savior of the world on our side, and the power of His Holy Spirit inside us, we can replace the fear in our lives with hope in His promises. \\u2022 Becca Wierwille\\n\\u2022 In what parts of your life do you experience the most fear? \\n\\u2022 Write down things you are afraid of, and then compare them to what God says in His word. \\n\\u2022 What steps can you take to begin to replace those fears with hope in God\\u2019s promises?\\nBut now, this is what the Lord says\\u2014he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: \\xe2\\u20ac\\u0153Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.\\xe2\\u20ac\\x9d Isaiah 43:1 (NIV)\\n\\xa0\\nRead Verses:\\nEzekiel 37:1-14; Romans 8:10-11'