A Better Way – A Better Presence – The way Forward through it all

A Better Way A Better Presence

Pastor Calvin Cook

December 17, 2025

In my nighttime devotions I was drawn to the familiar scripture often referred to in times of trouble from Isaiah 43.

“But now, this is what the Lord says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. 3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead.4 Since you are precious and honored in my sight,   and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life. 5 Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west. 6 I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back. ’Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth—7 everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.” Isaiah 43:1-7 (NIV)

As I prayed through these verses I thought about the tough times I and many have been going through. There are days when we feel like we are drowning in something, being consumed by the fire of uncertainty and struggling to make sense of it all. But if this Advent has taught me anything is the need to realize that whatever it is we are going through God’s presence is there and all around us. We are not alone God is with us that is not only a promise but a guarantee.

In these moments of life when it seems that the load we are carrying is heavy and the way we have been walking is hard, that we must realize this holy presence of God. In these moments, God speaks a redemptive word: “Don’t be afraid. I’ve redeemed you. I’ve called your name. You’re mine.” These words humble me, give me chills and cause me to stand in awe of a God that desires to be so intimate with me, that I am not just another person, a number, or a file on a computer screen. That I and You and all of us who trust in God with all of our heart is known, loved, and redeemed. This is the reason Jesus came—to show us a better way, to be fully God and fully human, who knows our grief and feels our pain.

Following this way regardless of the situation in not a new rule or way to follow or a moral example, but a redeemed life to be lived in relationship with God. Jesus steps into our broken patterns and declares that we are not forgotten, not lost, and not beyond redemption.

As we walk through the realities of life—joy and sorrow, clarity and confusion—we begin to realize the presence of God through it all. Isaiah’s words do not promise an absence of trouble, but they do promise God’s nearness. The same God who redeems is the God who walks with us through the waters and the fire. In Jesus, God is no longer distant or detached; He is Emmanuel, God with us. His presence becomes our assurance that we are never alone, even when the way forward feels uncertain.

This presence calls us to keep our focus on a better way—God’s way—anchored in His promises. When fear tries to lead us, God’s promises steady our steps. When distractions pull at our hearts, His voice calls us back by name. Jesus invites us to lift our eyes from what has been and fix them on what God is doing now. Redemption is not just something God did; it is something He is still doing.

As Christmas approaches, may we prepare our hearts—regardless of our past, our present struggles, or our weariness—to receive Jesus anew and fresh. The better way is not behind us; it stands before us in Christ. He calls us by name, claims us as His own, and invites us to walk forward in hope, redeemed and renewed.