Thoughtful Things
Surrounded by You
We endure trials. No one is exempt from them.
The reality is that we are living in an imperfect world, one where good people suffer and where, at times, bad people seem to stay healthy. But life has a way of equalizing the footing. In other words, God keeps score, and that’s very good news. Isaiah looked about him and recognized that there are no exemptions from being fully human. He recorded God’s message: “When you pass through the waters,
“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. For I am the LORD, your God” (Isaiah 43:1-3).
Notice that Isaiah began each thought with the word when, not if. When means it’s eventually going to happen, so you had better be prepared.
First, Isaiah spoke of the depth of your trial—the deep waters. If you have ever taken a walking stick and tried to cross a turbulent river where the water was swift and the rocks were slippery, and you couldn’t see where the deep holes were, you understand that is how recovery can be from an illness, or a financial disaster, or a broken relationship. At any moment you are apt to be swept off your feet and carried downstream-or you stumble, uncertain of your footing. That’s the way it often is, getting through your trial.
Then Isaiah mentioned the turbulence of your trial. The rivers won’t drown you. The word is plural. It means there will be more than a few challenges before you knock on heaven’s door; but paraphrasing what he said, “You’re going to make it.”, “You may not look like much when you get there, but you’re gonna make it.”
Finally, he speaks of the intensity of your trial—you will go through the fire but you won’t be burned.! Why? Because of what God has promised.
So when you feel like you are surrounded by things in life and you feel unlike you are drowning, remember that you are surround by God and He goes before you!
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