Through Water and Fire

Through Water And Fire

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. For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior…

Isaiah 43:2-3a

Life is rarely easy for many of us. We seem to leave one trial only to enter into another one. We find ourselves treading water one day and surrounded by the flames of adversity on another. In such humanly uncertain circumstances, where do we look for comfort, for assurance, and security? When the waters rise higher and the flames grow hotter, where do we look for hope? The answer is Christ. The last portion of our text today points us to Him. He declares, ‘I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.’ How can we speak confidently that this is Christ? Two examples immediately come to mind, one dealing with water, the other with fire. Recall to mind the incident in the book of Daniel when Nebuchadnezzar threw Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego into the fire. In short order, Christ appeared to loose their bonds and preserve their lives. In the New Testament, when Peter, walking on the water, began to sink, Christ drew near to him and lifted him up. These are but two of many examples which we can site of Christ fulfilling this promise to His people in literal ways. Surely our own experience of Christ has taught us that He fulfills this promise to us in ways far beyond the mere literal. If you are today passing though the water or the fire, look to Christ. He has been faithful to others. He will be faithful to you. He will be with you in the most fearful of times.

Our Great and Faithful Savior,
we praise You, that You meet us at our point of deepest need.
We rejoice that for every new trial, You demonstrate Your Sovereign Power,
to preserve us and lead us onward.

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning