The acronym NATO stands for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. NATO is a mutual agreement that if an enemy attacks one of its member nations, all will act together to defend the attacked nation. This treaty gives member nations a sense of security. Years ago, through the prophet Isaiah, God gave assurances to His ancient people. He did not promise that they would never encounter difficulty. God said just the opposite. God promised to be with them during their difficulties. Here is how God expressed His relationship with them and His care for them. First, God reminded them that He created them, delivered them from Egyptian slavery, and protected them during their entire history. He now speaks to them while they are in exile. God says, “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 fires of oppression, you will not burn up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” Later God says, “Yes, I am the LORD and there is no other Savior. From eternity to eternity, I am God. No one can snatch anyone out of my hand. No one can undo what I have done.” Since those statements reveal the nature of God’s love, integrity, and power, we can trust God to sustain us through our trials.
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