Isaiah 43:1-2 reads, “… 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.” These two verses of Scripture had a great message of comfort for the Jewish nation as the words reflected back upon their past history of Jehovah’s deliverance from oppression, “Passest through the waters” would bring to mind the parting of the Red Sea as God delivered them from the pursuing Egyptian forces. “Rivers” symbolized the multitudes of Babylonian soldiers; “fire” would be the fierceness of the Macedonians; “flame” would be the blazing Roman legions.

Today, as children of God, it is entirely proper for us to apply these inspired promises of protection to our own lives and claim security and shelter in everyday afflictions. “… the rivers, they shall not overflow thee” speaks to the variety and multitude of adversities which can come from men, temptations of Satan and the enemy which can come in like a flood, (check out Isaiah 59:19). Our Heavenly Father gives us His word that though hard times may come upon us and greatly distress us, they shall not hurt us. The Lord will ever be close to provide comfort and care, to instruct and increase our faith, to support us and ultimately deliver us. As pertaining to our suffering, sadness and sorrow, they are best depicted by “fire and flames” since they are so grievous and grave. There is nothing more distressing than to have our emotions singed, scorched and set ablaze by a sudden and shocking turn of events! But God is faithful in His declaration that though we be tried as gold and silver in the fire, we shall not be consumed. With the dross removed, we will come out the better for the burdens we bear, our faith refined, more precious than any earthly treasure.

Week's Verse: "Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place." Psalm 66:12