Text: Isaiah 43:2 NKJV

Further Reading: Psalms 66:10-12

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.

Isaiah 43:2 NKJV

MESSAGE

There is nothing greater than knowing that you are not alone in your suffering. The support that people give will bring a kind of comfort, and goes a long way to give hope to such.

But men are not God, they may sympathise with you at first and turn around to accuse you of wrongdoing. The three friends of Job came all the way and all they did was accuse him of secret sin. Rather than healing Job’s wound, they made it sorer for him.

However, our God is different, He is not a mere human who cannot fully understand the depth of pain we go through when we suffer. God said that a mother can forget her child but because of His love, He will not forget us (Isaiah 49:14-16).

There is a limit to which men can go, and it is at this point that the strength of God becomes visibly manifest. In our text of the day, God gave us three categories of suffering and corresponding assurances. The Holy Spirit listed them according to their degree of danger. To every one of these categories, there is an assurance of divine presence and safety.

Are you passing through the water of suffering? He said He will be with you. Are you currently in an overwhelming situation and it’s as if the flood will sweep you away? God’s assurance is that you will not drown in that situation. Are you in what you think is fire? Relax, He is with you, He will not allow the fire to burn you, neither will the flame kindle upon you.

Do you remember how God preserved Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego even in the fire? The Bible says that upon them the fire had no power, not one hair on their head was singed, their clothes didn’t burn, and there was no smell of smoke on their bodies (Daniel 3:27). The problem that killed others cannot kill you because you have a divine coverage, an assurance of God’s power to keep and save you.

Beloved, I don’t know the season of suffering you are currently going through. It may be your health, you might have lost someone or something, or you may be waiting on God for children. Whatever it is that you are going through, God says you are not alone, I am with you and will be with you.

God also promised that the suffering will end in praise. You will not be crushed by your suffering but rather you will be helped by the Lord. After all the battle is over, God will bring you to a place of rest and comfort.

REFLECTION

For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’

Isaiah 41:13 NKJV

God has committed Himself to be with you, to hold your right and help you, therefore, do not be afraid because you will win.

PRAYER

Father, thank you for your assurances to be with me and deliver me. Help me to rest upon these rich promises from today. Amen.