Through Archives - Pastor Terry Lema's Daily Devotions

Yesterday I was reminded about the promises of God to take us “through” the rivers of difficulties and the fires of trials in Isaiah 43. I also discovered that there are more than 800 uses of the English word “through” in our Bible translations. That is way more than I can study. I decided to just look at the use of the word “through” in one NT book, Ephesians.

The Greek word Paul used is “dia” and it means on account of, by the instrumentality of, by reason of, for the sake of, and because of. Wow. Here goes …

We have adoption through (dia) Jesus Christ [1:5]

We have redemption in Him on account of (dia) His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses [1:7]

We have the immeasurable riches of His grace because of (dia) His kindness to us in Christ Jesus [2:7]

We are saved by the instrumentality of (dia) His grace through faith – it is God’s gift [2:8]

We have access by one Spirit to the Father because of (dia) Him [2:18]]

We have boldness and confident access through (dia) faith in Him [3:12]

We have the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power in the inner man because of (dia) His Spirit [3:16]

The Messiah dwells in our hearts by reason of (dia) faith [3:17]

What a list: Adoption, Redemption, Forgiveness, Riches, Grace, Kindness, Salvation, Access, Boldness, Confidence, Strength, Power, Indwelling Spirit.

All that comes “through” what our Father provided for us in the sacrifice of His Son on the cross.

Thank you, Father, may we be eternally grateful. Amen.

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!

Through

Through (Again)

Through