Isaiah 43:2 is a wonderful promise of God’s Presence in our lives during the extremely difficult times: “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.” Notice He says that at times we WILL pass through the high waters, rivers and flames.
I guess this does not sound very encouraging. But God wants you to know that He never promised that we would not suffer or have trying times. He does promise to be with us, to carry us, to protect us, to provide for us, to be at work on our behalf, and to fill us with His peace if only we will have faith in His love and power.
In fact, if you look at the verse before Isaiah 43:2, you see that God reminds us that He made us, redeemed us, summoned us by name, and that we are HIS! We are here for HIS purpose, not our own. Thus, He tells us to “fear not” for we are His and He is in control of guiding, protecting and empowering our path to carry out His will in our lives.
Why is it that when we need God the most, we tend to seek Him the least? Whatever you are going through, the Lord calls you to enter into His safe harbor and find rest. Yes, we can rest even in the storm. Stop running towards the problem and run into the arms of your Father Almighty.
I love how Psalm 91 ends: “’Because he (the believer) loves Me,’ says the Lord, ‘I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges My name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.’” (verses 14 and 15). He calls us to love Him above all. Remember, God loves you. He will protect you, deliver you, and provide for you. In fact, don’t miss the last word there, He will even honor you. You are honored by the King of Kings.
- Sue Corl
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