“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.”                 Isaiah 43:2

What comforting words we find in Isaiah as God promises that His children are never alone. He calls them by name, He redeems them and paid a high price  to rescue them.  How easily we forget His promise or speak it with our lips but not allow the truth of it to penetrate into our life’s in times of trouble, uncertainty and potiential devestation.  This became very personal this week as Irma headed straight for Florida where so many of my family reside.

Why is it so easy to allow our thoughts to be replaced with those of doom and gloom? Our  immediate response to the storms of life so often is to panic and try to analyze and control the outcome of something completely out of our grasp.  Why does hitting our knees in prayer seems to be the last resort when we have exhausted all energy and emotion on finding a more hands on solution?

These very words found in Isaiah were prayed over my children and their families the night before Irma was going to hit Florida.; yet I found myself anxious for the first time in a long time.  I found myself calculating the what if’s that are so readily available in a mind running wild instead of resting in the truth and comfort of God’s word.   I have come to realize that it is so easy to quote a familiar scripture, throw it at a storm in your life whatever it may be; but that is not where the power is found.  The power is in allowing His truth to illuminate your situation.  Speak it over and over again if necessary, personalize it make it real and tangible to your current  circumstances.  God never intended for you to fight the battle on your own. He has provided the sword of the Spirit which is His word.

Are you in turbulent waters right now? Are things brewing all around you that seem impossible to overcome? Are you in over your head?   “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you!”  Here is your life saver. He who walks on water will walk by your side through any and every trial you may face.  He is the Alpha and Omega the beginning and the end; nothing catches Him by surprise. He has already stood in every place you will ever encounter.

Know that no circumstance you face, no matter how consuming or overwhelming it may appear, is stronger than your redeemer. “And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned.”

I strive to truly grasp the overwhelming love and grace of my savior.  To be able to have peace in all circumstances knowing whose I am and who has my back.  I want God’s word to come off the pages of the Bible and dwell in my heart and soul in such a manner that they penetrate deep and choke out the weeds of fear and anxiety.