“When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour…”
Isaiah 43:2-3
The times we are in did not catch God by surprise. He knows that as long as we live on this earth before His return, we will face trials of many kinds. Jesus tells us in John 16:33: “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
As believers we understand that we will face trials of various kinds. However, the good news is that Jesus already provided the victory. He already provided not only the way out of the trouble, but the victory over it. It is so wonderful to know that His perfect plan for us is to have every challenge we face be turned for our good. As we get the victory, He gets the glory! It brings Him glory for us to triumph in the face of seemingly impossible circumstances. Romans 8:28 tells us: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” When we put our trust in the Lord, we can be assured that every trial or challenge we face will surely be turned for our good. All we have to do is agree with God and believe His promises will come to pass!
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had a seemingly impossible situation they were facing. They had to make the choice to either obey the king and bow to his idol, or obey God and be thrown into a blazing furnace. Yet the greater the challenge, the greater the glory that God receives! They made the choice to obey God and trust His promises and protection. As a result, the Lord Himself showed up in the fire and delivered them so that not even the smell of smoke was on their clothes. They made the quality choice to choose to serve God and obey His command rather than the command of the king. They knew that their God is faithful and His promises are true. Not only were they delivered from the fire, but God used the situation as a spring board for their promotion and to change the laws of the entire land. Their quality choice not only improved their own lives, but the lives of other believers living in the kingdom. In addition, their decision has provided countless believers with faith and encouragement throughout the centuries. Glory to God! The Lord is the same yesterday, today and forever! If God can rescue them and use it for great good, He can certainly rescue you!
When Jesus told His disciples to get in the boat and go to the other side, on two separate occasions a terrible storm arose and threatened their very lives. It looked like they would be overwhelmed by the waves, their boat destroyed and even their lives lost. Yet, they called on Jesus and He answered and calmed the storm. They not only got to the other side, but Peter even had the privilege of walking on water. This event not only impacted their lives for the better, but it still impacts countless peoples’ lives today. As we read their stories and the challenges they faced, it gives us hope and faith for that kind of miracle power working in our lives. The storm wasn’t pleasant at the time, but the victory sure is sweet!
During this time of challenges in the world, let us take opportunity to praise and thank God not just for what HE has already done. Let us thank Him for what He is about to do in our lives! Instead of complaining about the circumstance, begin praising God and thanking Him for His goodness, His faithfulness, His promises and the victory! Every challenge brings a victory and a testimony of God’s faithfulness when we are immoveable about believing His promises! Stand fast in your faith and you will see the victory and God will get the glory!
James 1:2-3
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18
“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
Romans 5:3-5
“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearty by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”
Further Reading: Ephesians 1:16-23, Hebrews 11, Daniel 3:14-30, Romans 4:13-25
