When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. (Isa. 43:2)

Is it really true that the trials of this world will not overwhelm God’s children? The answer requires us to face a real world and acknowledge that God does not promise that troubled waters are not in our path, that rivers will not rise, nor that flames will not threaten.

God promises that the waters shall not overwhelm, and the flames shall not consume. These are not assurances that no believer ever drowns, nor that no saint ever died at the stake.

But God has lost no soul. No trial has triumphed over his purposes. No tragedy has the final word. The truest you, “the soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose,” he will never, no never desert to his foes.

As children of God, believers are assured of fatherly help when we face any difficulty, rather than the absence of all difficulties. God’s care is never lacking. Earthly trials lead to the advance of God’s purposes and our maturity until our earthly path is done. Then, we are securely in God’s hands for eternity, safe forever.

God passionately protects the ultimate welfare of his children and promises what the centuries-old hymn teaches: “When through the deep waters I call you to go, the rivers of sorrow shall not overflow; for I will be with you, your troubles to bless, and sanctify to you your deepest distress.”

Prayer:

Lord, give me the grace I need to endure the difficulties I face today with the confidence that you are with me and no trial will overwhelm your purposes or my security.