November 11, 2011 · 6:00 am
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the 4-letter word that stopped me

I like predictability. I like the same weekly schedule and things checked off my list. I like clean kitchen floors and the smell of pumpkin when I come through the door. I like for life to follow my plan.

But, that’s not the world we live in. This place we wake up to each morning is messy. People do things and say things and run through the house with muddy shoes. And pet bunnies can be stinky. It’s just life.

Then I run across words like “when.” “When you pass through the waters…When you walk through the fire.” (Isaiah 43:2)

The trials will happen. Some waters flood completely over us. They steal our footing and leave us gasping for breath in the deep. Others just irritate — getting the bottom of our socks damp. But He says “when.” When they come.




But He doesn’t leave us with “when” as if there’s no hope. He makes promises.



Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name;
You are Mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you
For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior…
Isaiah 43:1-3


The way I figure, we have two choices when the waters rise. We can believe Him to be who He has revealed Himself to be through His Word or we can not. Either He is or He isn’t.

Either He’s still God, or He’s not. Either He’s still sovereign and moving, or He’s isn’t. Either He remains faithful to His children, or He doesn’t. Either He’s worlds above yet intimately involved, or He’s not.

Something amazing happens when we choose to believe Him. A glimmer of hope arises in our spirits when we choose to trust that our LORD still reigns, regardless. When we choose to believe that He is working this trial for my good and His glory, when we stir our souls towards faith, hope lifts our easily-distracted hearts.

The waters will rise. The fires will come. But God continues to be God.


Fill me, Lord…

How do you stay focused and believe when life gets challenging?
What promises do you rest in when the trials of life come?


7 Comments

Filed under daily filling, granted to suffer, his word speaks

  • Anonymous

    The verse where it says “you are inscribed or carved into the palm of His hand”, in Isaiah is my go to verse the past couple of months. This is not a typical “sure I’ll be there for you” promise that family and friends make. I envision Christ’s using the nails of the cross to write my name forever in the palm of His hand. I don’t like the when’s either. Unfortunate that I am the one always saying “when ?”. When will this or that happen? When will I figure out this crazy life? If I look at this verse, I realize He is there. I belong to Him in a huge way. All I need to do is honor and obey. He will take care of the rest. After all, I am not here to just sit and enjoy life. I was created to work towards His kingdom. Sometimes is does get hard, confusing and messy. But His promises are the one’s we can rely on. I am beyond positive of that!

    • http://www.larawilliams.org Lara Gibson Williams

      I love that thought. Thank you, Jen! “His promises are the one’s we can rely on.”

  • http://www.facebook.com/audrasilva Audra Christensen Silva

    Beautifully written post. Thanks for reminding me of God’s wonder even when the waters rise. :)

    • http://www.larawilliams.org Lara Gibson Williams

      Thanks Audra. Blessings to you, sister-friend.

  • Joyce Wheeler

    As a believer I turned to God who is always gracious enough to guide to a scripture which pertains to whatever I am going through. These scriptures I hide in my heart and remember when things look/feel hopeless that God gave my His word. Not only did He give me His word, but He personally lead me to scripture with promises. My favorite one is Isiah 41:10 and I still cling to it when need be.

    Isiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

  • http://www.gracetags.com Janelle@GraceTags

    Lara, this is beautiful. Just like you!

    I’ve walked through, still walking, many storms in life. Storms that most people would shutter if they learned of those storms.

    And yet, I stand strong in my faith and love for Him. How could I not? I’m madly in love with my King. I consider God my Daddy – we’re that close. He is there with me in the storm. Even when the enemy sends bad things in my life, God is there to walk with me, carry me when necessary.

    I cling to the promises in the Word that He loves us, wants us healed, well, happy. I love my good Daddy God… He is just so good.

    Love this post, Lara!

    Janelle
    GraceTags

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