ISAIAH 43:2: “When you pass through the waters I will be with you, and through the rivers they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire you shall not be burned, neither shall the flame kindle upon you. How quickly we tend to forget God’s promises and resort to panic when difficulties confront and seem to threaten God’s immutable word that cannot be altered or become obsolete.

In the book of Isaiah chapters 42 and 43, we are assured of God’s power, faithfulness, favour, comfort, deliverance and restoration for those of us who are His servants. Although there are popular sayings such as, “It is darkest just before dawn” and “He never promised us a rose garden”, while these admittedly have some elements of truth, we must remember that whatever the circumstances, God has promised to be with us! When God is with us, no matter how furious the waves, they will not drown us and the fire will not burn or harm us. Yes, we may experience discomfort or even pain, the heat of the fire may become really warm and the waves may seem very threatening, but if our hearts remain fixed on God’s promises, these adversities will only serve to strengthen and prepare us for the joy that will come in the morning.

God remains sovereign. He is always in control, time is in His hands, He is never in a hurry, so why are we? We can be confident that His deliverance and restoration will be right on time, do not give up hope, and stand fast in prayer, believing God’s word which will surely come to pass.

Eternal Father, as a nation we acknowledge You as the Almighty God of all ages, You have subdued nations. There is nothing too hard for you; we therefore declare that Your promises are “Yea and Amen” unto us. We are confident that we will not be ashamed as we wait expectantly for Your deliverance and restoration.

In Jesus’ name

Amen.

celtakirk@yahoo.com