Isaiah 41:11-13Count on it: Everyone who had it in for you will end up out in the cold— real losers.Those who worked against you will end up empty-handed— nothing to show for their lives.When you go out looking for your old adversaries you won’t find them—Not a trace of your old enemies, not even a memory.That’s right. Because I, your God, have a firm grip on you and I’m not letting go.I’m telling you, ‘Don’t panic. I’m right here to help you.’Some days I really feel like I want to see those who had it in for me out in the cold. I want to see those who worked against me empty-handed. I want to not see my old adversaries anywhere around to remind me of what they did to me.Then I remember who my God is. I remember that I am his child. I remember that he holds me in his hand and protects me daily. He sends joy knocking on my heart’s door every day. He extends grace and mercy to me every day. His love and peace fill my being every day.For those who have had it in for me, I pray that God will meet them in their hearts and change their lives. For those who worked against me, I pray that God will forgive them and bless them mightily. For my old adversaries or old enemies I hope that I would have a chance to give my witness, my story of God’s love for me.Why? Because God is my God. He has a firm grip on me. He is not letting me go. He is right here to help me. His kindness and gentleness fill my soul. Though the world around me go crazy and be filled with panic, I will be at peace. I am in God’s hand. I am safe.
