Faith in the Fire

February 1, 2023

Isaiah 43:2 When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.  When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.

This verse reminds me of the three Hebrew children, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego who walked through the fire. God walked through it with

them. When they came out the ropes were burned off. They were protected.

We're all going to go through a fire. Some of you are going to go through difficulty this week. None of us can predict the problems we're going to face, but one thing we can be certain of: God's going through it with us.  

God is with us! When I'm worried, God is my confidence.  

God told Moses one day, “You're going to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt into Israel.” Moses started making excuses, "God, I can't do that! I'm insecure! I'm nothing! I can't speak!" God gives one answer to his excuses, "I will be with you. My presence will go with you. I will be your confidence."

The truth is, God knows about our weaknesses and our shortcomings and he says, so what? As if we could help him on our best day anyway! He still wants to use us. It’s not about our abilities, it's about God’s abilities, always. This truth should give you confidence. It should take a weight off your shoulders.

God is with you. He is able. God is your companion. When you are worried, God is your confidence. You can relax.

Psalm 16:8-9 I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety.

GOD’S PRESENCE CALMS ME DOWN AND GIVES ME CONFIDENCE.

It gives me stability. It's a stabilizer. It's a stress reliever. I have confidence because I know "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

He's with me. I can handle anything. I can even handle death.  

Psalm 23:4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.

That kind of confidence does not come from psychology. It comes from knowing that God is with me!