When Trials Come
When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. Isaiah 43:2
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Two important words are repeated over and over again in this passage: when and through. As children of God, each of us will experience times of trouble, trials, and testing. There will be seasons when our circumstances are frightening or painful. Sometimes we will face not just one problem but waves of difficulties. This is why the Lord says, “when,” not “if,” the waters rise, the rivers flood, and the fires burn. Yet in these verses the Lord also gives us reassurance that he will get us “through.” No matter how deep the waters, you will get to the other side. No matter how intense the fiery trials, you will experience victory because he is “the Lord, your God, . . . your Savior” (v. 3). Use these verses from Isaiah to remind yourself that God is not only able to keep and protect you when you encounter rivers of difficulty but that he has committed himself to carrying you through them.
Prayers:
LORD, thank you for your promises of deliverance and protection. Because you’ve said, “I will be with you,” what have I to fear? Help me to trust in you, not only in the small details or battles of life, but also in times of great trouble. You are my Lord, my God, my Savior.
Quotes:
CHRISTIAN! PRAY FOR GRACE TO SEE IN EVERY TROUBLE, SMALL OR GREAT, THE FATHER’S FINGER POINTING TO JESUS, AND SAYING, ABIDE IN HIM.
Andrew Murray (1828–1917)
The One Year Bible Readings for today are: Isaiah 41:17–43:13; Ephesians 2:1-22; Psalm 67:1-7 and Proverbs 23:29-35.
