A Through Faith

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And when you pass through the rivers, they do not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; The flames will not set you ablaze.     Isaiah 43:2

Photo by Elena Saharova on Unsplash

I want to encourage you in your walk today. No matter where you are, keep studying, keep asking God questions and seeking his answers. In today’s verse, God promises us a “through faith” if we continue to walk with him. Maybe you’re at the toughest place you’ve ever been. Perhaps your world is falling apart right before your very eyes and there is not a thing you can do to stop it. I’d guess some of you are watching a dream die or having a hard time seeing the hope in your situation. It is at these times that we are so tempted to throw in the towel. We become weary and instead of turning to God we drown in our circumstance. But it is precisely at these times that God wants us to lean on him with even greater dependence.  

You see, most situations cannot be avoided. We can try to run. We can ignore them or try to find a way around them but mostly we must hit them head on and drive right through them. As we travel through the situation the waters splash up and threaten to take us under. We feel the pressure of the water on us as we travel through our trial. But God says, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.” 

God knows that these trials will come, and he promises to use them to grow our faith. Hebrews 10:36 tells us, “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised us.” Trials sort out committed Christians from fair-weather Christians. Your faith grows in trials or it dies in trials. James tells us in 1:3-4, “because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” Whatever you are facing, God has gone before you. He knows your need and he knows the outcome. Humble yourself before him. Ask the questions. Search scripture and ask a trusted friend to help you persevere. And the Lord will part the waters for you.

For some, you are in easier times and reliance on God feels unnecessary because you can handle all that life is bringing your way. These are the times when you need to be preparing for the next trial. It’s at these times that you are relishing in his provision and basking in his strength so that in the rough times you can relax and place yourself confidently in his arms as he carries you through the waters and through the flames.