“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.” (Isaiah43:2 NIV)

           This verse is about how God promises to be with us through all of life. God is with us through every moment of every day, through trails, tribulations and the most difficult times assuring us that even in our hardships God is there.

           It is a message of hope.  For everything that life throws our way we are to know that God is with us.  It is a promise.  

When you are facing an illness or chronic illnesses know God is with you.  When you are having a difficult time in a relationship know that God is with you. When a painful divorce is imminent know that God is with you.  When grief or loss have occurred know that God is with you.  When battling depression or anxiety know that God is with you. When fear is a driving force in your life know that God is with you.  When unresolved issues raise their ugly head know that God is with you. When betrayal and broken trust occur know that God is with you.  When consequences of mistakes you have made take place know that God is with you.

           The comfort of this verse is that God does not look at these messy, painful realities, the mistakes we have made and those moments when we feel all alone and turn away.  God does not leave us in the ugliness of life.  God is with us always!

The verse implies that the very moments we feel most abandoned, dirty, or broken are the exact moments God promises to stand right beside us—even in the fire of life.  It is something to remember.  God is with us.  God Bless. Amen.

denise