We are living in trying times. Between the Covid crisis, the racial injustices and the resulting riots, and our own personal “stuff”, many people feel beaten down. Discouragement can set in like wet fog.
God promises, “When you go through deep waters, 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 NLT
I don’t know about you, but this is not one of my favorite Biblical promises, mostly because it says “when” and not “if.” When you go through rivers of difficulty, when you walk through the fire… All of us will go through times in our lives when we are swimming in “rivers of difficulty” or walking through the “fire of oppression.”
But in these trying times there are three things we must remember and hold onto. First, God promised to be with us. “I will be with you,” Jesus promised. And in fact, God referred to Himself as Emmanuel - literally the “With Us God.” We are not alone. He has not abandoned us. He is for us and not against us. The second thing we must cling to is that we must know that God has a higher purpose. He has plan. It’s a plan for good and not for evil, to give us a future and a hope. He hasn’t forgotten us. God is the Great Redeemer. He redeems trouble for good. And finally, know that you will get through this. “When you walk through…” You will get through this! Learn to trust Him as you walk through!