“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, Your Savior.” Isaiah 43:2-3
God does not promise us that a life with Him will be smooth, comfortable or without heartache. In fact, Isaiah 43:2-3 says “when” we cross through raging rivers and blazing fires. It doesn’t say “if” we go through hard times; it says “when.”
We have all been through difficult seasons. Some of us have even been through seasons so difficult that like Elijah we told God, “I have had enough, Lord. Take my life.” (1 Kings 19:4). Perhaps you are in one of those difficult seasons right now. If so, know that God is with you and will Himself take your hand and walk you through the storm:
“For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, ‘Do not fear I will help you. Do not be afraid . . . for I myself will help you,’ declares the Lord.” Isaiah 41:13-14
About 8 or 9 months ago, I had a dream that I was standing on the shore at the beach. Behind me, the sky was full of dark, ominous storm clouds. But in front of me was a spectacular sunrise that painted the sky in fabulous shades of orange, purple and red and was reflecting off the calm ocean. As I watched the sunrise, I saw a man walking along the water’s edge away from me towards the sunrise. As he walked away from me, I noticed that he was holding the hand of a small child who was walking beside him.
It was such a brilliant, vivid dream. And every time I think of that dream, I wonder if it was symbolic of God holding my hand as I walk with Him through a stormy season.
You see, I am currently in a long and lonely time of silence with God. Not because God has been silent, but because I have been. I am walking through a hail storm of doubt. I am doubting whether I actually hear from God. And if I do hear from Him, can I really discern what He is trying to tell me? I used to think I knew. But life circumstances have made me wonder and have caused me to doubt.
And the truth is, I just don’t know any more. So I wait. I wait, hoping that someday I will know when I hear from God. And I wait hoping that someday I’ll know if it really is possible for me to know what He has to say to me.
While I wait, I know that God is standing there waiting with me. And I know that He will wait with me no matter how long it takes. Isaiah
40:28-29 tells us:
“He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”
And while I wait, I know that He has my hand just like He had the hand of that little child I saw in my dream; I will trust that He will lead me through this storm. And I will take His hand and walk with Him along the shore.
I hope you, too, will take God’s hand and walk with Him through the storm that He promises to lead you through.
Remember: “So do not fear for I am with you, do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
Precious Jesus, thank You for standing and waiting with us when we are unsure. Thank You for taking our hands and leading us through difficult seasons. We are so grateful that You do not grow weary or tired and that you give us strength. Help us to know Your voice and to discern your message. We give our hands to you, as your beloved child, so that you can lead us through the storms of uncertainty. Help us to find our way. ~robin
“He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”
And while I wait, I know that He has my hand just like He had the hand of that little child I saw in my dream; I will trust that He will lead me through this storm. And I will take His hand and walk with Him along the shore.
I hope you, too, will take God’s hand and walk with Him through the storm that He promises to lead you through.
Remember: “So do not fear for I am with you, do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
Precious Jesus, thank You for standing and waiting with us when we are unsure. Thank You for taking our hands and leading us through difficult seasons. We are so grateful that You do not grow weary or tired and that you give us strength. Help us to know Your voice and to discern your message. We give our hands to you, as your beloved child, so that you can lead us through the storms of uncertainty. Help us to find our way. ~robin
