Isaiah 43:2

Isaiah wrote this promise for a future generation of Israelites who would face a devastating crisis. He foresaw a time when Babylon would invade Jerusalem, the temple would be destroyed, and survivors would be taken as captives to a foreign land. They would lose everything, and many would think God had abandoned them.

Anticipating that moment, God spoke to the people through Isaiah: "Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by your name. You are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you."

Later, in the Book of Daniel, three young Israelites—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—lived out this promise. Having been taken from their homes as exiles to Babylon, they faced a test of faith. King Nebuchadnezzar ordered them thrown into a blazing furnace for refusing to bow to an idol.

The fire was so intense it killed the soldiers who threw them in. But when the king looked into the furnace, he saw not three but four figures walking around unbound and unharmed. He said the fourth looked like the son of God.

Daniel 3:27 records that when they came out, the fire had no power over their bodies. Their hair was not singed. Their clothes were not scorched. This is what God promised in Isaiah 43:2: "When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, and flame will not scorch you."

The God who spoke the promise through Isaiah and the God who stood in the fire with those three young men is your God today. What He promised them, He promises to you today.

"When you pass through the waters" (כִּי־תַעֲבֹר בַּמַּיִם / ki ta'avor ba-mayim)

The Hebrew word avar means to pass through or to cross over. It implies movement. The trial has an entrance and an exit. You do not stay in the water. You pass through it.

"The rivers will not overflow you" (וּבַנְּהָרוֹת לֹא יִשְׁטְפוּךָ / u-va-neharot lo yishtefukha)

The Hebrew word shataf means to flood or to sweep away. God is not promising shallow water. He is promising that however deep it gets, it will not sweep you away. The waters may rise, but they will not go over your head.

"When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned" (כִּי־תֵלֵךְ בְּמוֹ־אֵשׁ לֹא תִכָּוֶה / ki telekh bemo esh lo tikkaveh)

The Hebrew word kavah means to be scorched or burned. The Hebrew word ba'ar means to consume. The fire may surround you, but it will not consume you. You will emerge from the furnace unharmed, just as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

I declare that the words of Isaiah 43:2 are true in my life.

• When I pass through waters, God is with me.
• When I cross rivers, they will not sweep me away.
• When I walk through fire, I will not be burned.
• This trial is temporary. I am passing through it.
• With God's help, I will get to the other side.

God,

Thank You for promising to be with me in every situation I face.

I confess that I have felt overwhelmed. I have wondered if I would make it through. I have forgotten that You are right beside me.

Today I receive Your promise. You are with me in the waters. You are with me in the fire. The waters will not overflow me and the flames will not consume me.

May I trust that this trial has an end. I am passing through this trial, and You will bring me out on the other side.

Be with me today.

In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.