But now, this is what the LORD says--he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Isaiah 43:1-3 (NIV)
“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 (NIV)
Our God is a “with us” God. His eye is ever on us for our good and for His glory, never one surpassing the other. We may build our trust in Him by the good and precious promises He gives us in His Word. It is profitable for us to keep these promises stored in our hearts when our days of trials and troubles come. We know very well that we were destined for them as Paul tells the Thessalonians (and us as well). Jesus also warns us of tribulations as we walk this dusty earth. Filling our hearts and minds with Scripture consolations in preparation, arm us for battle, readying and equipping us.
As fire will one day test the quality of each man’s work, God presently uses the fires of our trials and tribulations to conform us into the image of His Son. Trials never feel warm and cozy yet they are sent to produce in us things that will make it through the fire that will test the quality of our works. We might consider ourselves in great danger but God does not. He knows the exact temperature of the fire that is sent not to consume rather to burn off the dross so that what remains is the purest of gold. The eternal God is our refuge and we find shelter under His wing of protection as we turn to Him. He is always closest to His child in the fire.
God has promised to be with us. His goodness inclines Him to make His promises and His faithfulness draws Him to act on our behalf. God will make good on each and every one. He will never fail those who put their trust in Him. We often go through fire and water to the place of His abundance. Everything allowed in the life of the saint is purposeful and no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless. God’s almighty power is engaged for our help. Our obedience and comfort become strengthened or weakened according to our faith in this. God does wonders. He will either change the circumstances or He will change us through the circumstances. Either way the trial becomes the blessing.
“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.“ John 14:18 (NIV)