Isaiah.43:2- “When thou pass through the waters, I will be with thee: and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walk through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” God will be there.
Can you remember the last time you asked God, “Why me? Do I have to face this trial?” At some point in all of our lives, we have asked the “Why me, Lord?” question.
If you have not, I would love to interview you. Other than death, there is something that we all have in common. We will face suffering, especially as believers in Christ.
When we look at our Savior, we see that just before he was betrayed, he asked for his suffering to pass from him. Even though he knew there was no other way.
It’s okay for us to ask, “Why” but we should always end with, “Thy will be done, Lord.” There really is no gain without pain.
Every good thing we want in life has to be earned. We have to work hard for what we want. What I love about our verse of focus today is that God and Isaiah show that suffering will happen. Each phrase begins with the word, “When” and not “if.”
It doesn’t stop there.
He promised to be there with us even though he does not owe us anything. God gave up his Son to die for you and me to reconcile us back to him. And he could have stopped there and it would have been enough. Much more than enough.
However, our God knows what we will face for his namesake and he promised to be there with us every step of the way.
So, when you think you are failing as a mother because your child doesn’t believe in God… Maybe your husband verbally abuses you or has been unfaithful… Or you have a relationship with someone and you are unequally yoked– God will be there.
You may feel alone and afraid to ask for help but God is there.
If your situation is like the water that was mentioned in our focus verse, he is there with you. Not only is he able to speak to and command the water, (Mark 4:39) but he is also able to know where the fish are and speak to the wind and waves and calm it. The waters may surge and rage but he is in control and nothing can happen that he didn’t allow. God calmed the sea as soon as the crew hand threw Jonah overboard because he is in control. (Jonah 1:15)
Maybe your situation is like a river. God will be there, just like he was on the day that he parted the river so Moses and the Israelites could walk on dry ground and flee captivity. (Exodus 14:21) When Naaman, suffering from leprosy, walked into the Jordon river believing that God would heal him; God was the one who rewarded his faith and gave the river the power to cleanse his leprosy according to his obedience. (2 Kings 5:14)
In addition, when the High Priests carrying the ark of the covenant of God stepped into the Jordan river the water instantly ceased overflowing its bank and piled up as a heap so that everyone passed over on the dry ground. (Joshua 3:15-16) God did that and nothing will overwhelm or overflow into your life without him being there with you.
Is your suffering related to fire?
We know how devastating fire can be. But let me submit to you that God will be with you even then. When the three Hebrew boys were thrown into the fiery furnace (it was so hot the guards who threw them in, died) Jesus was with them. There is no situation that God would leave you to handle without his presence. Meshach, Shadrach, and Abednego were bound when they were thrown in and yet they were able to walk around in the fire. (Daniel 3:25)
King Nebuchadnezzar looked and noticed they were walking around and that there was one more in the furnace with them who looked like Jesus.
Jesus showed up; he was right there in the furnace protecting and encouraging them to keep the faith.
He will be with you too; he did not allow not one of their hair to be singed or burned. They were able to walk around and when they were called out, they didn’t even smell like smoke.
You will never be alone once you have Jesus in your corner. He is the best friend to have and when you don’t feel like you will make it; he will carry you.
Insight from God’s word
Colossians.1:24
Psalms.34:19
2 Corinthians.11:24-26
1 Peter.3: 17-18
Romans.5:3-4
Prayer
Dear Jesus,
I’m so grateful for all the promises you have made and kept. Thank you for being with me through the ups and downs, hills and valleys and for your steady companionship. Help me to hide your word in my heart so when trying times come I can remember that you will be with me through the water, river, and fire, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Related Post
What does the Bible say about suffering?
Finding hope in “But God” verses
Has this post ministered to you? It sure has to me. Let me know in the comments the encouraging words that stood out to you.
Love,
Keneesha 🙂
