Finding True Identity, Redemption, and Love in Isaiah 43:1

Christie Walker reflects on the profound impact of God's message through Isaiah 43:1.

It is interesting to me how I can read something or hear something being read many times — but when God really wants to get my attention, He does. That’s what happened with Isaiah 43.  

The Gift 

Last summer, I was given a coffee mug with the words, “You are mine. Isaiah 43:1" printed on it. I loved the message, the color, and how it felt in my hand. I anticipated grabbing that mug in the morning and filling it to the brim with hot, steaming coffee.  

That’s exactly what I did the next morning before sitting down to begin writing a reflection I was invited to give. However, I was distracted. My eyes kept glancing over at that cup until I finally decided to grab my Bible and open it up to Isaiah 43.  

I instantly realized that God wanted me to read this chapter. He needed me to because He wanted me to understand not only who I am but also Whose I am — and He also wanted me to share it with others. 

The Promise 

But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, Jacob, and formed you, Israel: 
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name: you are mine. (Isaiah 43:1)

The first thing that struck me was the heading introducing Isaiah 43, which describes it as “Promises of Redemption and Restoration.”  

Redemption is the act of being saved, while restoration is the action of returning something to its former owner, place, or condition.  

The Lord saves us — then He makes us new!  

While the bulk of this chapter is filled with promises and love, I just want to take the five beautiful truths revealed in the first verse.  

In Isaiah 43:1, God tells us… 

I created and formed you 

Why are we here? Simply because God wants us here — each one of us. We are created out of love — a deep and abiding love that, in our humanness, we can never fully understand or comprehend.  

Do not fear 

As humans, we worry, fret, and don’t see the whole picture, but God does. When we place our trust in Him — which I know from my own experience is easier said than done — we can view trials and suffering in a different way, especially when we call upon the Holy Spirit to strengthen our spiritual gifts. 

I have redeemed you 

Jesus’ pure sacrifice on the cross redeemed us; the sacraments and God’s grace strengthen us. Redemption is the act of saving or being saved from sin, vice, or bondage. It is also the act of gaining possession of something (your immortal soul) in exchange for payment (Christ’s Passion, death, and glorious Resurrection) or a clearing of debt (God’s Infinite and Divine Mercy). 

I have called you by name  

Names are part of our identity. They help distinguish us from one another and define us. Throughout the Bible, we see God use names to communicate a message, indicate affiliation, and signal a new beginning. When someone calls us by our name, we feel seen and loved.  

And finally… 

You Are Mine 

If you have ever asked yourself, who am I, and why am I here? If you have ever felt lonely, abandoned, rejected, used, or hopeless, cling to THIS verse! God wants you to know you are His. We can take on identities about ourselves that are inaccurate — or don’t reveal the whole picture. However, the Lord tells us we are His, and that is our truest identity! 

The Hope 

This short passage of Scripture is incredible. In fact, the entire chapter is, so I would encourage you to spend time with it. Read it. Pray with it. Ponder it in your heart.   

I will leave you with this message of hope, no matter what you have been through or are going through, no matter what the world tells you should be, do, or feel, it will all pass away; it will never be enough.   

Instead, when you seek to know your identity, cling to God’s own words as He tells you, "You are Mine! You are Mine!" In fact, add your name into the verse as you speak truth into your heart and allow God’s grace to flood your soul. 

We have a living, loving God who desires to be in a relationship with us. He wants to work in us and through us. He wants us to be in community with one another and share His message of hope and love with our families, our parishes, and our hurting and confused world.  

I invite you to pray and ask if there is anything keeping you from Him. Then endeavor to release the false identities, give yourself up in love, and trust fully and completely in Him. You will not regret it! 

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Copyright 2024 Christie Walker
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