This is what I hear God saying to me as I read Isaiah 43 and my response –

“But now, Judy, listen to me, I am LORD who created you.

I am the One who molded you in your mother’s womb and I am saying to you,

Do not be afraid, for I have paid the price for you.  I have called you by name, you are mine.

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.”

I know you will be with me, Father.  You have gone through some very deep waters with me, never leaving my side.

“When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.

 You are always faithful, Father.  You have never let me drown no matter how high and strong the waves of difficulty have been as they have crashed over my life.

“When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up: the flames will not consume you.”

 I have walked through the enormous oppression of the fires of grief and pain these last 3 years, Father, and it’s only by your grace that I did not burn up.  Your love kept the fires from consuming me.

 You are the LORD, my God, my Savior.

  You guard my life because I am precious to you.

 I am honored, Abba Father, to be your daughter.