Encouraged by God’s Promises 上帝的应许

[Dexu Xia]

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. Isaiah 43:2

It was a long day at the hospital. Still no answers to the sickness that afflicted a young, bright nineteen-year-old. Arriving home, the family felt discouraged. To their surprise, a nicely decorated box sat on the step with Isaiah 43:2 printed on the front. Inside, were assorted encouraging Bible verses that friends had written out by hand. The next hour was spent being encouraged by Scripture and the thoughtful gesture of the family’s friends.

People going through tough times or family challenges can always use a heartfelt boost. Scripture—either a large portion or just a verse—can encourage you, a friend, or family member. Isaiah 43 is filled with little bits of encouragement—received either individually or as a whole. Consider a few choice thoughts: God has “created you,” “formed you,” “redeemed you,” and called you “by name” (v. 1). God “will be with you” (v. 2), He’s “the Holy One of Israel,” and He’s our “Savior” (v. 3).

As you consider the promises of God, may they encourage you. And as He provides what you need, you can encourage someone else. The verse box didn’t cost a lot, but its impact was priceless. Even after five years, some of those verse cards are still cherished by the family.

What other promises can you find in Isaiah 43? Who can you share a promise card, text, or email with today?

Dear God, I thank You today that the Scriptures are full of promises, and that I can be encouraged even by one verse at just the right time.

你从水中经过，我必与你同在。—以赛亚书43章2节

在医院度过了漫长的一天，但仍然找不出是什么病如此折磨这个年轻聪明的19岁少年，全家人都十分沮丧。当他们失望地回到家时，赫然发现门前台阶上有个包装精美的盒子，上面印着以赛亚书43章2节，而里面装着许多鼓励人的圣经经文，全都是朋友们亲手抄录的。接下来的一个钟头，他们沉浸在上帝的话语带给他们的鼓励，并因朋友们的暖心之举而深受感动。

正经历困境或家庭问题的人，总是能用一个方法重新得力，那就是阅读圣经。不论是一整段章节或只是一节经文，上帝的话都能鼓励你、你的朋友或家人。无论是阅读单独的句子或是整章经文，以赛亚书43章都能给人带来鼓励。例如：上帝“创造你”、“造成你”、“救赎了你”，以及“提你的名召你”（1节）；上帝“必与你同在”（2节）；祂是“以色列的圣者”，是我们的“救主”（3节）。

愿你回想上帝的应许时，能从中得到激励。当上帝供应你的需要时，你也可以鼓励别人。这个经文盒子花不了多少钱，但盒内的经文却带来极其宝贵的影响。即使过了五年，其中几张经文卡片仍被这家人宝贝地珍藏着。作者：  贺贝伦

反思和祷告在以赛亚书43章，你还看到哪些应许？
今天你可以用卡片、发讯息或电子邮件，与谁分享上帝的应许呢？

亲爱的上帝，我感谢祢，因为圣经中满有祢的应许，
即使只是一节经文，都能恰逢其时地鼓励我