"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior." Isaiah 43:2-3
Late Wednesday afternoon, June 1, 2016, Debbie and I got a distressed text from our middle daughter, Amy. She was driving near The Woodlands, Texas when a flash flood engulfed her stretch of roadway. She was stuck with no way to go forward (the water was too deep) and difficulty turning around on the waterlogged, two-lane road.
She texted, “This is the worst thing ever. I almost got flooded. I am not close to home at all. I can’t find anywhere to pull over. I’m so scared.”
My heart broke at that last sentence. As a dad, I wanted to get to her to rescue her, but I was five hours away. I immediately called out to the Lord to help her, to protect her, and to lead her to safety. I texted back the Scripture verse from Isaiah 43:2, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.” I looked at my watch and it was time for our Wednesday night service and my Wednesday night sermon. I could have easily been greatly distracted, but God gave me His grace and peace. The words of that sermon flowed with strength and power as I sensed the Holy Spirit take charge of every syllable.
GOD IS WITH YOU
When facing the unexpected storms and fiery trials of life, it is critical to remember that as a Christian, God is always with you. He promised never to leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). You can trust God to see you through every difficult and scary circumstance.
In the last chapter Paul ever wrote, he said, “The Lord will deliver me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen” (2 Timothy 4:18). Now, if you know about Paul’s death, you know that he was beheaded under the persecution of Nero. Skeptics mock and say, “Well, Paul, I guess your God didn’t deliver you from every evil deed because Nero took your head off!” But the truth is He did. In fact, God delivered Paul all the way to heaven. The Lord was with Paul every step of his journey. When the last step was taken and his witness completed, the Lord brought him home with a hearty,“Well done, good and faithful slave … enter into the joy of your Master” (Matthew 25:23).
NO NEED TO FEAR
Although fear is a very common emotion, if we will keep our eyes on Jesus, we will not have to live in fear. The storm may blow, and the fire may rage, but God in His faithfulness will bring us through. Don’t panic! Instead, choose to praise Him. As you do, He will make a way where there seems to be no way.
BACK TO AMY
As we prayed and Amy prayed, God protected her and kept her car (just paid off this week) from flooding. Lo and behold, Amy found a fire station. She managed to maneuver her car into their parking lot and was able to wait inside for the torrential rain to die down. Debbie’s uncle was able to get to Amy in his truck and bring her to her apartment. She got her car the next morning, no worse for the wear.
Debbie told Amy in so many words, “Amy, remember this experience and this answer to prayer. This event is proof that God will be with you and will see you through the worst of circumstances. You can trust Him to take care of you. You don’t need to be afraid.”
I don’t know what storm or fire you may be facing today, but God does. He promises to be with you, just as He was with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego … just as He was with Amy. So keep your eyes on Him and your prayers before Him. Fear not because your Savior is worthy to be trusted!
Love,
Pastor Jeff Schreve
From His Heart Ministries
P.S. I would love to hear from you and see how God is working in your life. Email me at pastorjeff@fromhisheart.org.
Dr. Jeff Schreve believes that no matter how badly you may have messed up in life, God still loves you and has a wonderful plan just for you. From His Heart provides real truth, love and hope on over 700 radio stations each day, in 149 countries each week on TV, and is always available online. Pastor Jeff takes no income from this ministry. All donations go to furthering the broadcast outreach. As a listener/viewer supported ministry, we thank you for joining with us to help speak the truth in love to a lost and hurting world. Go to www.fromhisheart.org for more information.
Got Trouble?: What to Do When You Don’t Know What to Do
Trouble! We all face troubles and problems on a daily basis. But sometimes trouble reaches a fever pitch, and we literally don't know what to do...but God does. In this encouraging series Pastor Jeff Schreve shares wonderful encouragement from God's Word to help see you through the darkest of storms to the light the Lord has for each of us.