Encouragement
Going Through
Isaiah 43:1-2 But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
So much in our society is geared toward immediate gratification; and unfortunately we often allow this to flow over into our walk with Christ. We want things now, and we want them the way we want them. We want to be comfortable in every area of our lives. By watching the media, it is easy to start believing that life’s problems are solved within an hour. But, this really isn’t reality.
The truth of the matter is, the Bible tells us there will be tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril and sword (Romans 8:35). But in our self-pleasing society, we look upon these things with disdain. If it doesn’t feel good, we don’t want it. But James tells us: my brethren count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing that the trial of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. (James 1:2-4)
So, if you have been taught that you will never have any problems once you become a Christian, you better sit down. I have some breaking news! We are living in the last days, and the heat has been turned up. Our adversary is angry. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may destroy. (I Peter 5:8) Did you think you would be above the tide, in a sense, and not be a candidate for trials? Sorry if you were misled.
We are in a battle for souls! We want to win souls while the enemy wants to destroy souls! We are not wrestling with flesh and blood but against principalities, powers and rulers of the darkness (Ephesians 6:12) and it is very important that we understand it is not all about us! There are people all around that need to hear about Jesus. They need to see His love spread out! BUT, if we are so wrapped up in our problems and tribulations, we tend to not notice those around us in need.
But take a look at what God promised!
· When thou passest through the waters – I will be with thee!
· The rivers – will not overflow thee!
· When you are walking through the fire – You will not be burned – and the flame will not kindle upon you.
Notice in these promises that He didn’t say “I will keep you out of the water, the river or the fire.” He promised to be with us! He promised to not let it overflow on us! He promised to not let us be burned! Just as He was with the three Hebrew children, He will be with us! Just as He was with Daniel He will be with us!
The key is to recognize that when we dwell in the secret place of the most high (Psalms 91:1) we shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty! We will be protected, not FROM but THROUGH! The waters may rise my friend, but you are not going to drown as long as you keep your eyes on Jesus and remain steadfast on His Word. Cling to every promise in the Bible. He is not man that He can lie. We are going to go through the water, but the key words are going through!!
Once when I was a kid I was at the Ohio River and made a decision to climb off the bank into the water. The decision was made against the protest of the adults that were with me. That particular place had not been tested. But, me being the kid that I was, I knew better. So I jumped in, feet first, and the next thing I know I was stuck in the muddy river bottom. Not just my feet, I had sunk to my waist. The adults of course were to my rescue and it took quite a while for them to pull me out, but nevertheless I made it out safe and here today to tell the story. The enemy would like us to feel stuck in the mud, as if there is no hope.
Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice; insomuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s suffering; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. (I Peter 5:12-13)
Regardless of what you are going through! The key is you are GOING THROUGH! I am here to remind you today that God knows exactly where you are! He knows how high the furnace has been turned up. He knows how deep the water is! HE KNOWS! HE CARES! HE HAS NOT LEFT YOU! He promised to GO THROUGH WITH YOU!
Isaiah 43:1-5a But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee. Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honorable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life. Fear not: for I am with thee.
Written by Jounda LaMance
June 24, 2005
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It certainly is not what you hear preached often, my friend. But it’s the truth and I, for one, can vouch that a walk WITH Christ, though we find that the true battles have just begun when we begin to live for Him, is worth every trip through the river, through the valleys, and through the fires. It helps much to know that not only are we not alone, but that we come out on the other side better than we were when we went in. It is still a sad fact, however, that many turn when they find out that it isn’t all bells and whistles. I’m reminded of John 6:53-69.
Yes, we must not forget that we will go through the trials and hurt in this life. I found that I MUST be watching for the sweet assurances that the Lord Jesus, His Holy Spirit, wraps us in. Don't miss them! It may be a smile from someone. Be expectant for God to show you that you are not alone, and He is with you in support. Sweet blessings sister.
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