I, even I, am the LORD and apart from me there is no savior. I have revealed and saved and proclaimed- I, and not some foreign god among you. You are my witnesses declares the Lord, that “I am God”, yes from ancient days. I am He. No one can deliver out of my hand. When I act who can reverse it? Isa 43:11-13

There is so much wrapped up this passage today. So many thoughts to ponder on, to inspire, to move the heart. Today I am hit hard from the beginning – “I am the LORD and apart from me there in no Savior.” Yes, I know that. Yes, I have learned that since the early days, when the mind was little and trusting. Those early days that brought forth the faith commitment to accept the Savior and secure eternity. It’s the growing - up days though, that reveal the many dimensions, the many ways in which I need saving.

Today the realization startles me. Apart from me there is no savior….who and what have I hailed as savior in my life? What foreign god have I allowed to sit on Your throne? And the list begins. Far too long for my liking. I’ve become quite accustomed to naming them as idols, fighting them relentlessly. But, today I am intrigued by the possibility of having hailed them as saviors. It’s one revolting thing to worship them, but to actually believe that apart from them I have no hope... have I really done that? What striking credit to bestow upon these impostors.

I love that my Lord will infiltrate my heart in whatever way necessary. He reveals all my ways and reaches deeply into me to sheer away false identities, exposing the reality in the bright light of His Truth. So, my list forms, likely to flesh itself out even greater as time moves on. For now, he has allowed me to see what is necessary for this moment, necessary for my refining. As usual I am reminded that when we are given much, He expects much of us. He has gifted me with this realization. His expectation weighs in with gentle urgency. Remove these foreign gods and place your full trust in Me. I am His witness, He is alone is God.

No person is my savior.

No man is my savior.

No job is my savior.

No amount of money is my savior.

No home or location is my savior.

No friendship is my savior.

No child is my savior.

No medication is my savior.

No number on a scale is my savior.

No refined image is my savior.

The LORD alone is my Savior. He sits on the throne and I am on bended knee. My life in all it’s frail imperfections is owed to Him and by His grace He crafts something of great value out of nothing.

These false saviors begin the process of being cast out. Their deceiving, powerless appeal laid barren in His light. Each now forced to face the Almighty, the one from ancient days, who's works can never be reversed and I humbly ask...Lord in this moment, please do an irreversible work in me.