”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.
Isaiah 43:2New International Version (NIV)
Isaiah 43:2 Devotional (Daily Bible Verse)
I will be with you
Isaiah, in Isaiah 43:2, wrote about the presence of God, thus, the theme “I will be with you“. God clearly told the people of Israel that He will be with them in the midst of their trials and temptations. He told His people this to give them the courage needed and sufficient strength to overcome the sufferings they were going through while they were in captivity.
The water, river, and fire represent afflictions, trials, and difficulties that the Israelites faced in Babylon. Indeed, they faced so many sufferings when they were in captivity in Babylon such that many of them even rejected God. This turn of events provoked God’s anger.
God punished the children of Israel for their disobedience
But right before the wonderful promise contained in Isaiah 43:2, God had seriously punished the children of Israel for their disobedience. He meted out His anger upon them because of their sins. And He neglected them so that they became prey to their enemies (neighbors) (Isaiah 42:24-25).
Nevertheless, God is like a father who chastises his son to train him on the way of the Lord. Therefore, God also chastises His children. He does this in love so we will not depart from His laws. No wonder God reassured them of His presence, protection and deliverance in their afflictions.
Whenever God does this, He does so in His infinite mercy and love. He, therefore, always reminds His people of how precious they are in His sight. It is therefore no wonder that in Isaiah 43:18-19, God specifically told His people to forget the former times and the thing past.
This is why also God told His people that they should not fear because He has was with them. He would redeem them because he would never leave nor forsake them.
You and your sufferings
You too may be facing a number of sufferings. But you have to remind yourself that God’s general promise is to be with you in everything. His promises to never leave nor forsake you, no matter what you pass through.
His presence is a spiritual virtue that puts you in command and at peace. Therefore, nothing can stand in the ways of God. Because when God is with you or for you, nothing can be against you.
God has redeemed you by the precious blood of the Lord Jesus Christ – He bought you with a high price, and you belong to Him. He will not hesitate to redeem you from your many afflictions.
Prayer/Blessing
Lord God, the promise of Your presence is enough for me. I will, therefore, not fear, but wait on You to guide me through this affliction. And I will not lose hope, for victory and Your precious promises await me after this sufferings pass.
This is my prayer of hope and praise in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Daily Bible Reading
Proverbs 12-15 (see How to Read the Bible in One Year or How to Read the Bible (for Beginners))
