God is Faithful
We all have to face hard things. Itâs not if you will face them, but when. But when those challenges come, you can know that youâre not alone.
In Isaiah 43:2, God reminds Israel that His faithfulness doesnât change with their circumstances. He was faithful in the past, and He would continue to protect and provide for themâŚ
âWhen you pass through the watersâŚâ
After 400 years of slavery, God empowered Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian captivity. Just as the opposing army was closing in and all seemed lost, God made a wayâright through the Red Sea. (See Exodus 14.) This is probably what the book of Isaiah is referencing to remind the Israelites of Godâs power.
âWhen you pass through the riversâŚâ
Isaiahâs readers would have probably been reminded of the time God dried up the Jordan River for the Israelites when they were crossing over with the ark of the Lord. They even built a memorial, so that generations to come would remember Godâs presence. (You can find this story in Joshua 3.)
âWhen you walk through the fireâŚâ
In the book of Daniel, three menâShadrach, Meshach, and Abednegoâwere thrown into the fiery furnace after refusing to obey the kingâs decree to bow down to an idol, instead of to God. They were miraculously delivered, and didnât even smell like smoke. (This story is in Daniel 3.)
Even though this event probably hadnât happened when Isaiah was writing, Godâs words still came to pass. And today, when we look at His faithfulness to the men in the fiery furnace, we can reflect on His promise in Isaiah, and remember that God is faithful to protect His people.
Recalling Godâs faithfulness in the past helps us trust Him with the future.
Even when faced with worst-case scenarios, God is not surprised. Heâs already gone before you. No matter what happens, lifeâs trials and difficulties will not get the final say. God is still powerful, still providing, and still protecting youâand nothing can stand against our God.
So today, as you think back on your life, how have you seen Godâs faithfulness? And how can those memories help you trust Him with your future?
God, You know me. You know what I'm facing, and what Iâve already overcome. Please draw near to me right now. Remind me that You are near. Show me glimpses of Your faithfulness in this season. Restore my hope and my joy, and teach me how to fully place my trust in You. In Jesusâ name, Amen.