But now, this is what the LORD says—
Isaiah 43:1-2 NIV
he who created you, Jacob,
he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
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.
These words were given to Israel as an encouragement to them. But it is just as applicable to all of God’s people. He has called us to himself and redeemed us from our former way of life. And because of that, we have no reason to fear anything that might come our way. He will be with us, even when we walk through the fire.
Passing through the waters is reminiscent of Israel passing through the sea as they left Egypt. The word used here for waters is the same as the account of their crossing the sea on dry land. When we find ourselves between a rock (Egypt’s army) and a hard place (the sea), God will open a way for us to pass through unharmed. He will be with us. Because we belong to God, we can pass through the raging rivers and walk through the blazing fire without harm. We are his. And he will bring us safely to the end of our journey to the promised land.
This is no promise that we will not have to go through the trials and challenges of this life. Or that we will not suffer, or even die, because of our faith. But it is an assurance that we will not go through them alone. The one who has redeemed us will be with us, bringing us safely through whatever may come.
