by Valerie Ipson
We live in uncertain times. All around us people are losing jobs and homes and hope. Why this family so deeply affected, but not that one? Why are some required to go through certain challenges, while others face different trials? A friend’s recent blog quoted the hopeful words found in Isaiah 41:10…”Fear thou not; for I am with thee…” After reading that verse, I noticed I had the first few verses of Isaiah 43 marked as well:
Fear not, for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name;
thou art mine. When thou passeth through the waters, I will be with
thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee; when thou
walkest through the fire, thou shall not be burned; neither shall the
flame kindle upon thee. For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of
Israel, thy Savior.
What comfort to know that not only is Christ our Savior in a big way—that through him we are able to gain eternal salvation with our Heavenly Father--but also in small ways, like right now, when we are passing through deep waters or walking through the fire. He saves us then, too.
Victor Hugo said, "Have courage for the great sorrows of life and patience for the small ones; and when you have laboriously accomplished your daily task, go to sleep in peace. God is awake."
Yes it is odd when the difficult times fall...like raining on the just and unjust. And I always find great comfort in the scriptures and in just knowing..."Be still and know that I am God." I have to remind myself ultimately He is in charge and it will be well.
ReplyDeleteExcellent thoughts during these times for people. It is important to give those who struggle comfort no matter how we feel about their situation. We never know when their struggle or one equal to it may come to us as well. :>
ReplyDeleteThink of it this way: Life without challenges, if extended over a very long period, like a whole week or more, would get pretty boring. It would be like eating meals with no variety, no spice, not even salt or butter. It would be like having no color at sunset, no rain to cool the earth nor make things grow, no clouds to shade, or even watch. If everybody were perfect, where would we find the thrill of forgiveness? I like the promise that we'll be given only what we can endure. I like knowing that God and His Son have provided for us--love, forgiveness, eternal life. I suspect even there there will be challenges. At least, I hope so.
ReplyDeleteLove the scripture references...and I love the Victor Hugo quote! Thank you for the beautiful reminder, Valerie.
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