Day 176: Isaiah 43-45, Psalm 80

Life is good. Sometimes, when I'm really honest, I have to admit that my life, when compared to many others, has been very easy. I talk with people every week who face challenges and difficulties every single day that have never touched me. I admire them for their faith and courage. Truly, I don't really know how I would cope in similar situations. The thing that I have come to realize is that this situation could change in a moment. My easy life could be turned upside down in the blink of an eye. A car accident, a doctor visit, walk in to the wrong place at the wrong time and everything can change.

None of this changes who God is.

Regardless of my life's circumstances, God is good...to me.

These thoughts were prompted by this:

“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" (Isaiah 43:1-2)

What I realized, when I read those words, is that the writer assumes that we will indeed pass through the waters and walk through the fire. I suppose it would be nice if he had said, "Do not fear, you won't have to pass through the waters...you'll never be faced with walking through the fire." I think many people believe that way...consequently their faith, rather than giving them strength when they need it most, is shattered when these difficulties come.

But that's not what he said.

What he said was that when we are faced with hardship and difficulty God is there with us. He doesn't remove the difficulty...he gives us strength when we need it.

Before me no god was formed,
   nor will there be one after me.
I, even I, am the LORD,
   and apart from me there is no savior. (Isaiah 43:10-11)