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. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your savior. ISA. 43:2-3
When I read these verses I was stunned at the healing that took place in my heart. The word of the Lord is truly like a sword and then like a soothing, healing balm. I did not come across these verses in the bible, rather, I read it in the introduction to a chapter in Beth Moore’s Breaking Free book. I have been meditating on these verses for about two weeks now, and they are still having a profound effect on me.
My mentor has told me several times that this term on the mission field is God’s classroom for John and I. Sometimes I feel like telling God that I have learned enough for now, but the Lord keeps pushing us to learn more. When we learn what we need to from Him it’s as if He caps off His lesson with” for I am the LORD, your God.” And He is isn’t He? No matter the trial, struggle, temptation, or suffering , the LORD our God is GOD. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is worthy to be praised.
When I read Isaiah 43: 2-3 for the first time many of our struggles came to my mind. All of you have walked through some of them by reading our blog and some have remained personal to us. Yet big or small, personal or posted about , the conclusion remained the same: God is God is GOD. I see Him. I can see Him in my loneliness and depression. I can see Him in the hurricane. I can see Him in death and in new life. I see Him through the cloud of doctors visits and surgeries. He was there when our families at home hurt and there when we felt inadequate. He was with us when we wondered if Malachi would survive. He was even there when doubts crept in, or when anger threatened to defeat us. When we passed through the waters, rivers, and fires He was with us. When we felt that we could not go another day He told us ” You must because I am the Holy one of Israel, your Savior.”
The wonderful discovery is this: I Kings 19: 11-12 says, “And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper.” You see, the Lord was not in all the loud rumblings, no, He was in the peace that passes all understanding. We can look back and see The low whispers of the Lord that sustained us. When Malachi was going through his difficulties my heart was at peace. There were so many things around to distract me but I was able to recognize the Lord because I had seen Him before, in the peaceful times of our trials. It is so familiar now. His presence is big and strong, but not that of an earthquake (or hurricane) or fire, no, HE IS STRONGER in that He grants peace IN THE MIDST of the hard times. That is a BIG God.
He says in the verses in Isaiah, “they will not sweep over you” and “you will not be burned.” Why? FOR I AM THE LORD. Then I realized another thing. He allowed us to walk through those times, never leaving our side. He ordained those painful moments to happen to us because He is God, and He will be magnified and exulted even through our pain. He uses it to show us His might and His power through His peace. It’s God’s classroom, and if we are striving to be more like Christ, then we are in the right place.
Allow God to heal your heart with His word and with the knowledge that He is God.
Mel, It was good to be with you again. We know a little of what you experience daily by being with you a short time. It gave us more insight on how to pray for you. Thanks for the encouraging words. Our growing isn’t over until we reach glory. I know I still have much to learn.
I so enjoyed your children.
Blessings on your precious family.
Thank you for sharing those powerful, encouraging words! I think of you and pray for you and your family often. Have you read Joyce Meyers’ Battlefield of the Mind? It’s very good for those negative, depressive thoughts. It has helped me. Also her book of promises. It has bible verses geared toward certain topics; so you look up a topic and there are all these verses written so that you say the promises for yourself. Love it! I keep it in my nightstand for those nights when I’m thinking about something and can’t sleep. The Word gives me peace and comfort.
Thank you, Mel, for sharing with us what God has been teaching you in your “classroom” and allowing us to learn along with you. One of my favorite hymns, “All the way my Savior leads me…….can I doubt His tender mercies, who through life has been my guide?” His presence and His Word are truly precious gifts.
Such a great reminder for all of us! Such a powerful and personal post. We love you much!
Once again your openess and honesty makes you even more dear to us and I suspect to God as well.
Love you DC Girl!