Isaiah 43:2-3

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy one of Israel, your Saviour.

This verse contains some incredible imagery of what God does for his people. Isaiah uses two symbols, fire and water to show what trials the nation of Israel were going through.

When you 'pass through the waters' is referring to the Israelites history. From Moses parting the Red Sea in Exodus 14, to crossing the Jordan in Joshua 3. Each time they had to pass through the waters, it was dangerous, but God was with them and leads them through safely.

Similarly, in the next image of 'rivers' the promise is that when the rivers of life come our way, they will not sweep us over. God will uphold us. He will cross the river with us.

The final image is 'Fire' which is destructive and deadly and that is how life can feel sometimes. God promises that though we will face fires, they will not consume us. A good example of this is Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego who faced the furnace in Daniel 3: 21-25. God did not allow the flames to touch them.

Notice too in this verse it says 'when' not 'if'. Isaiah is clear, that we will face trials and hardships, but God is with us through it all.

Life can take us through rough waters and we can feel as if we are drowning and cannot breathe. We live in a broken world with broken people, who have free will, and can cause us hurt and pain. God never promised us an easy life, but he does promise to be with us through it all.

We can have confidence in our heavenly Father to do what he promises in the midst of our suffering and difficulties. We just need to fix our eyes on Him. We are His children, we belong to Him, He will provide for us and He will bring us through. He longs to lead us to quiet, still waters that will fill our hearts with peace.

So, we can trust in God's presence everyday and rest in His comforting arms when we don't know what to do or say. He will deliver us from the waters, rivers and fires of life that want to take away our peace and joy.

How amazing is that!

God bless