Hard Times Won’t Kill You

REFERENCE: Isaiah 43:1-2 But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. 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.

Observation: There are so many awesome promises here. Because we are, through Christ, part of God’s very own family, we can know that the God of all the universe knows us by name. He sees us as His!! Wow! Is about the only appropriate response. Since He knows us by name, since we are His we can know:

1.    We never have to go through trying times alone"He will always walk with us.

2.    Even though it may feel, at times, that we will be destroyed by the difficulties of life, we have His promise that all of our difficulties will not ruin our lives.

3.    When people hate us, oppose us and try to ruin us, we can know that they will not succeed. God will stand on our side and bring us through.

Application/Confession: Many people have commented on how impressed they are that I persevered through great trial. I did, but I was only able to because He took me through. I have discovered that if I will not give up that God will see to it that neither people or circumstances will be more than I can handle. I can personally attest that the fires of opposition will not consume you. In fact, they may just burn up some junk that needed to be done away with.

PRAYER: Thank You for being with me in trial. Thank You that when people oppose me and lie about me, You stood up for me. For that, I am so thankful.