LEARNING DAILY

Isaiah 43:2, When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. (new Living Translation)

1 Peter 1:6-7, So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold — though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.

`Isaiah is addressing the people of Israel during uncertain times. They were facing exile and were unsure of what the future held for them. In my mind I see the people coming to Isaiah to hear a word of encouragement in this time. The crowd probably consisted of those faithful to God and those who were skeptical and fearful; people looking for any hope Isaiah could give them as they faced their circumstances. Isaiah told them God was with them – they would not be alone!

Believers today, are facing uncertain times. The verse from Isaiah is a wonderful reminder that God is with us as we face each day. His presence is steadfast as He watches over us. Look at the description of circumstances by Isaiah. Deep waters, rivers of difficulty, the fire of oppression, and flames of fire gives the impression of great difficulty and struggles. But through all of it there is the promise, “I will be with you.” God’s promise is, “You will not drown.” “You will not drown.” “The flames will not consume you.”

This blog has been about trials being faced before. Followers of Jesus Christ are not immune from trials and difficulties. Jesus told His disciples they would have troubles in this life (John 16:33). He told them that the rain falls on both the just and unjust (Matthew 5:45).  He said the narrow way would be difficult (Matthew 7:14). Those faithful written about in Hebrews 11 faced all sorts of difficulties as did each of the disciples. One cannot help but think of the three Hebrews that Nebuchadnezzar threw into the fire.

Peter wrote, “So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while.” He wrote to rejoice when we endure trials. Do I? Do you? Maybe we need to understand we do not have to associate positive feelings about a situation when we are told to rejoice. James 1:2-3, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” He is telling us the same thing Paul is – sometimes we need to see the good side of the bad things happening to us. What is happening in the circumstances has nothing to do with our emotions; we can be angry about the trial but still have “joy”. The proper response in the midst of trials is to have faith in God! “I will be with you!”

Remember the response of the three Hebrews to Nebuchadnezzar? “Our God is able to deliver us, but if not…” (Daniel 3:17-18). Their response should encourage each Believer when facing trials. Isaiah and Peter’s writing should encourage each Believer when facing various trials. “I will be with you!” God is with you! This is certainly less about your feelings and more about your faith! The trials being faced test, purify, refine, and prove your faith! The result: “So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.”

God can certainly deliver the Believer from trials, but learning to be faithful through it, knowing God is with you is for your good and for the glory of God.