But now, this is what the LORD says -- he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemedyou; I have summoned you by name; you are mine." -- Isaiah 43:1

We belong to the LORD, God of all creation and God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (cf. 1 Pet. 2:9-10). We are recipients of God's grace and are blessed by His love for Israel's fathers. We do not have to fear because God is in control of our future, just as He worked through the history of His chosen people to send the Messiah. He will accompany us through the difficult trials we will face. He will make sure our redemption is realized. Why? Because we belong to Him. We are His. He knows us. He formed us. God's people are His possession forever. We are children of the Almighty God!