Hope Shack

“I really appreciate this Bible passage about walking through the fire, as some seem to have this erroneous idea that if you have enough faith that you will live a long and happy life – that you can just command your troubles to disappear and they will go.  That’s not what happened here…” – excerpt from Vicky’s Story (abridged)

Today’s Promise reminds us that Jesus promises to be with us through our hardships, that we don’t have anything to be afraid of, and that we won’t be destroyed.

I have a personal story that has shown me the truth of this passage.  I’m not likely to ever forget the day the fire started.  It was my birthday.   No card, no gift, no special dinner…just an announcement that my spouse was tired of our marriage, and would be filing for divorce the next morning.  I was a work-from-home mom, with a little girl to care for.   I listened to my husband’s words, but in my heart, I looked straight to Jesus.  I locked eyes with the One who had rescued me out of darkness years earlier.  I knew that His strength and power would have to carry me through the months ahead.   As we moved forward into custody and property settlements, I truly felt as though I was standing in the midst of a burning fire, with flames reaching out to grab me and watching life-as-I-knew-it burn to the ground.

But now thus says the Lord,
he who created you, O Jacob,
    he who formed you, O Israel:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
    I have called you by name, you are mine.
² When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
    and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,     and the flame shall not consume you. – Isaiah 43:1-2

It was the oddest thing.  Even though I was standing in those flames, I never felt that I was being destroyed.  I never doubted His hand on us.  Jesus lent me His strength day in and day out as moved forward into life after.  He continually lifted my eyes up to see the horizon in front of me, to see Him, and to see beyond the fire.  He reminded me of who He is, and of His love and value for us constantly.  He washed away all the hurts and the wounds, and kept me from getting burned.  I was able to move through that experience on a path filled with tiny miracles, a path that has led to peace.  Though the life I had known became a pile of smoldering ashes, the life He has led us to is filled with His wonder and beauty.

I don’t know what blow you’ve just taken, or what storm you’re standing in, but I do know that if you look up, and call on His name, that He will protect you from the flames, and walk you to a safer place.   If this is new to you, feel free to reach out to us and tell us your story.  You are not alone. 

Download and Print today’s journal page  HERE.

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 What is it you’re facing?  Nobody goes into battle alone.  We can stand with you.  Let us know in the comments below how we can pray for you, or by submitting your story.  

He will fight for you.