I love that word “through.” It means moving into one side and out the other. There are about 800 occurrences of the word “through” in the Scriptures. One occurrence popped up in my daily verse the other morning—a most familiar one out of Isaiah 43.
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine. I will be with you when you pass through the waters, and when you pass through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. You will not be scorched when you walk through the fire, and the flame will not burn you.” [Isaiah 43:1b-2 HCSB]
Isaiah 43 is a chapter on the restoration of Israel, and this is God’s Promise to them. But, as God’s children, as those who are saved by His grace and called by His name (Christians), we too can claim the promise that God will take us “through.”
He will take us “through” the waters, and “through” the rivers and we will not be overwhelmed. He will make us to walk “through” the fire and we will not be scorched.
As much as we want Him to remove trials and tribulations and difficulties “from” us; I have found that I become much closer to my wonderful Father when He take me “through” rather than “out of” such things.
Somehow, I grow more, my heart becomes stronger, my spirit drives deeper into grace when I must depend upon God daily in the midst of a trial. Would I prefer to avoid difficulties, certainly! But life does not always abide with my preferences.
In the midst of those difficult times, I remember that God has ALWAYS brought me “through.” As He has done so in the past, He will do so now.
Praise His Holy Name. Amen!
