"SHARING HOPE FOR THOSE WHO ARE GOING THROUGH A FIERY TRIAL"

"SHARING HOPE FOR THOSE WHO ARE GOING THROUGH A FIERY TRIAL"

Isa 43:1 But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.

43:2 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.

Some explanatory thoughts and application:

1. These words, were spoken to God's people in the OT to encourage them about the difficult fiery trials they were going through.

2. There are many truths here about God that are so comforting and encouraging, and instructive to us about God's love, care, and sustaining grace in the lives of His people.

3. Here they are.
(1) Fear not, and the reasons, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, You are mine.
(2) 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.

4. Let's take a closer look at these truths. First of all, we are told not to fear. Fear means, to be afraid, to be dreadful, to terrify. So, the Lord is telling us what not to do, or what not to be when we are in a fiery trial. Do not fear. This is what we can do, because, God tells us to not be afraid, then, that would mean, we can not be afraid. By putting our trust in Him.

5. Then, the Lord gives some additional reasons we are not to be afraid. There are several here. "for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine." We have been redeemed, we have been called by our name, and we belong to Him. Redeemed, means, to deliver, to purchase, to avenge.

6. Lastly, the Lord says, 43:2 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. God promises to be with us when we pass through the waters, and when we pass through the fire. Please notice the word "pass through", and "walk through" This means, that though we will from time to time go through very difficult and scary times, we are going to pass through, and walk through. And, the main reason that the "pass and walk through" are because, God is with us.

7. So, God is with You. You do not have to be afraid. He has rescued You, You belong to Him, and He is with you doing the very difficult times, and He cannot lie when He says You will get through these firery times.

A prayer:

Father, Thanksgiving to You, is always so appropriate. Because, there is so much You have done for us, are doing, will do, and have promised to do in our lives. Thank You for these specific promises. We pray for ourselves, and or any others who may be going through fiery trials and deep waters. Please speak to them these wonderful truths found in these verses. In Jesus name.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.