From eternity to eternity I am God. No one can snatch anyone out of my hand. No one can undo what I have done. Isaiah 43.13, NLT

I remember fiercely working the game of ‘get it out of dad’s fist.’ Coins, small toys, the ‘surprise’ all served as enticements to make the attempt. My father’s hands were strong, however,  and try as I may, both of my hands and feet employed in the task, I couldn’t get even a finger to release. What was in dad’s fist, remained in dad’s fist.

I believe Christians often think the imagery used in the Bible is somehow disconnected from our common experiences. We treat the content of Scripture as either academic material or philosophical, and partially esoteric, hints for living a better life which must be uncovered and unpacked by ‘the skilled.’ What a bunch of nonsense. I think a child trying to play this common game is exactly the picture God had in mind when He inspired these words.

I am reading through Isaiah with dear friend of mine. We agree on a section of Scripture, read it repeatedly throughout the week and then get together over coffee to discuss what the Holy Spirit has taught us. Pretty simple really. This passage was part of the reading from a few weeks ago.

I can’t get it out of my mind.

God claims in Isaiah 43.11 to be the exclusive Savior. He immediately follows his assertion with a claim of ‘predicting’ rescue of His people and then ‘proclaiming’ that same rescue to the world. These proceeding claims form the foundation for the further promise that the ‘I AM’ cannot have His work undone.

What confidence that inspires. I know I have seen projects I have worked professionally, diligently, and carefully through have, in the end, fallen apart. To be frank, there is nothing I do that is immune from being ‘undone.’ To be the recipient of that which is firmly held in the grip of God’s hand is truly awesome; to actually be ‘held’ as He promises, what words are adequate?

How does the promise of being in the Father’s fist change your life?