God reminds His people Israel that He knows them by name, has made a special covenant with them and He will not let anything overcome them. He does not promise a life free of “floodwaters and fire,” but He does promise His love and protection.
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Our physical bodies are not exempt from floods and fires, but our hearts are held in the hands of our Redeemer. He doesn’t promise protection from physical pain, but He does promise that He will be with us (Isaiah 43:2,5). He will love us because we are precious to Him (Isaiah 43:4), and He will bring us back to Himself (Isaiah 43:4-7).
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Three years later, I have walked through the fire and have smelled the stench of charred skin: “But I have also tasted the goodness of God’s love!”
On June 19, 1998 an ultrasound revealed God’s gift of twins. As I sit here now listening to the playful voices of Abi and Micah, I rejoice that God has a perfect plan that doesn’t depend on my faithfulness. I am so grateful His passion to pursue my heart and fill its thirst is never ending — even if it means walking with me through fire.
“It may not be the way I would have chosen
When you lead me through a world that’s not my home
But you never said it would be easy
You only said I’ll never go alone.”
Ginny Owens, “If You Want Me To” from the CD Without Condition
Christine Davis Knoxville, Tennessee From the Heart of a Lion, © 2000 Bryan College: Bryan College Press, Dayton, Tennessee.
Wow. Seeing that verse through Christine’s eyes gives deeper insight to that verse. We all want God to bless us and protect us from the hardships in this world but he really says… it is enough for us to know he loves us and will be there with us through those hard times!
[…] of her body and shook her faith to the core. I’ll give you the first part here, but then click over to Sara’s blog to get the rest. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set […]
Thank you Lord that Christine’s life was protected and she now “lives and declares the works of the Lord.” And someday I bet her children will do the same!
“Go Through Fire” Rob Frazier
– you might have to go through fire
– you might have to walk through water
– you might have to stand where nobody
else has stood
– you might have to go through fire —
but that can be good
Thank you to my friend Ned for sharing this quote.
to hear song go to:
http://www.robfrazier.net/bio.html
click on “Go Through Fire”
I cried just now as I read your words, because I so deeply understand them. I was “googling” to find out the reference for the verse about walking through the fire and not being burned. I have just finished a six month battle with cancer which included massive surgery and chemotherapy. It all happened so suddenly, I was at work one day and gone the next; gone for six months. What I know more than anything after walking through this time (with the help of a wonderful man God placed beside me) is the deep Truth of this message. He loves us and wherever we go, He will be there with us (Joshua 1:9). He provides for us, He sustains us, He is good all the time. Our bodies may be fragile, but our souls are eternal and reflect (if we allow them) His glory. We are NOT burned! Amen!
Dear Kayfire,
Thank you for taking the time to leave your inspiring comment. My friend Christine wrote this post, and I will tell her about your comment. I know it will be encouraging to her to read what you wrote.
Joy and Peace — even in difficult times,
Sara