As humans our nature is to do whatever possible to get out of difficult places. No one raises their hand to go through a trial. No one signs up for troubles. In this world they are just a part of life. Everybody has them. Even JESUS said, “in this world you will have trouble.” But we must remember He also finished that with, “… but take heart I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
In Isaiah 43 we find this promise,
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-18507D" data-link="(D)” style=”box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;”> you;
I have summoned you by name;<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-18507E" data-link="(E)” style=”box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;”> you are mine.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-18507F" data-link="(F)” style=”box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;”>
2 When you pass through the waters,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-18508G" data-link="(G)” style=”box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;”>
I will be with you;<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-18508H" data-link="(H)” style=”box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;”>
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-18508I" data-link="(I)” style=”box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;”>
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-18508J" data-link="(J)” style=”box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;”>
3 For I am the Lord your God,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-18509K" data-link="(K)” style=”box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;”> the Holy One<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-18509L" data-link="(L)” style=”box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;”> of Israel, your Savior;”<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-18509M" data-link="(M)” style=”box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;”>
We are exhorted over 100 times in the Bible to fear not, or do not be afraid. And if you are like me, you do pretty good until the trouble, until the trial—- you know the water is getting high, the river feels like it’s sweeping you away or the fire is really HOT kind of troubles. Then we want out! We want deliverance– and GOD right now would be a good time!
But sometimes it’s not deliverance we need. Sometimes we have to go through the troubles. It’s not that GOD isn’t a deliverer– He is. It’s not that He is mad at you— He isn’t. Sometimes we just need to go through things because we need what is on the other side that we wouldn’t have if we just got out of our trials.
There are benefits to going through…….. we will have a more grateful heart in peaceful times, we are more equipped to help others go through, and we have opportunity for our faith to grow are a few of the benefits. But to be honest, in the midst of a fire we aren’t really thinking about any benefits!
I have found that sometimes I have to just say, “LORD, I don’t understand and I sure don’t see how You are going to use THIS, but I trust You.” And I may have to say that daily, hourly or even second by second. Affirming my trust is not saying I feel He has things under control. It is stating that no matter how I feel I am resolved to trust GOD. This is not easy when I feel like I am about to drown or burn to a crisp!
The LORD never said we wouldn’t have troubles but He did promise to be with us always (Matt. 28:20) and He promised us a Helper (John 14:16). And He said, “Do not be afraid.” He said that so often because He knew our tendency would lean in that direction.
When we begin to fear in our trouble that is when we begin to veer toward the enemy side. We loose our peace and our hope, anxiety and worry become our constant companions. Our minds can become like war zones with so many scenarios of what MIGHT happen. Our nerves become frazzled from so much stress. In the midst of the what ifs and if onlys we have lose sight of the WHO is— WHO is a very present help in time of trouble. The very One who has promised to be with us. The One who has encouraged us to not be afraid. So, does that mean everything will turn out like we want it to and life will be one glorious pick-nick? We all know the answer to that is no. But, we do have an assurance from the Word that He will cause all things to work together for our good (Romans 8:28). It doesn’t mean what happened was good or even right but if we trust Him He will bring something good out of the trial. He will bring healing to our soul. He will use our trial to teach us and help us grow. And the best part is what the enemy thought would defeat us is now a tool in our hands to use to declare to him once again that JESUS defeated him and we ARE victorious!
Coffee With the King 