“Why be discouraged when encouragement is right here”

Scriptures:

• Isaiah 43:1-7
• John 16:33

Let’s start with the word of God:

Isaiah 43: 1-7

1 But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. 

2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. 

3 For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I give Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in exchange for you. 

4 Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you, I give men in return for you, peoples in exchange for your life. 

5 Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you. 

6 I will say to the north, Give up, and to the south, Do not withhold; bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the end of the earth, 

7 everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”

John 16:33

33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”