Fire and Water
Fire and Water
I will be with you when you pass through the waters, and when you pass through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. You will not be scorched when you walk through the fire, and the flame will not burn you. (Isa. 43:2)
Importance of Faith
In this life a relationship with God is through faith alone. At present, we do not see Him face-to-face; that time is coming. But for now faith is our sole means of knowing Him. “The one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him” (Heb. 11:6).
The Lord wants us to have strong faith because in His eyes nothing is more important for us than our relationship with Him—not our health, careers, or even our families. Is it any wonder, then, that He crafts circumstances to strengthen our faith?
Strengthening Agent
Our muscles do not grow stronger through the comfort of a massage. Our muscles strengthen only through willful, effortful response to resistance. If there’s no resistance, no growth. No pain, no gain. The same is true with our faith. If God only blessed us with riches, health, and success, our faith would atrophy because we’d forget that we need Him. Like muscles wasting away, our faith would become weak and ineffective.
Though trials of faith don’t feel like a blessing, the result is like that of disciplined gym work. “Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance” (James 1:2–3).
Bottom Line
All Christians face trials. Yet whether fire or water, we won’t be devoured, for God is with us. And the result is a deeper, more mature faith in Him.