Summer At Sea: Week 11 Day 1

Isaiah 43:2

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.

It is amazing how many forms various trials can take. At this very moment we are dealing with the loss of a loved one and the nightmare of being delayed over and over in the airport. Obviously one is a far greater trial, but all these waters and fires of life can make you seek after God or pull away from Him. 

What stands out to me about this verse is that God does not say we won’t have to go through waters, rivers, and fire. Throughout the Bible, God has led His people through such trials: from the rescue of Noah and his family, to the Hebrews following Moses through the Red Sea, to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendego being thrown into a fiery furnace because they refused to worship idols. Passage through difficulty has been part of God’s providential plan.

God does say, however, that we will not have to face these trials alone; He will be with us. Our job is to turn to Him and keep turning into Him when we face trials. In John 16:33 Jesus said the following:

33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

So what trial are you facing today? How can you turn to the God who wants to walk with you through it?