“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned nor shall the flame scorch you.” Isaiah 43:2 NKJV
Have you ever noticed how some people go through tough times but come out untouched, unharmed, and with a story that seems almost unbelievable? They reach places of influence or success, and you can hardly connect their present to their past struggles. They passed through fire but emerged without a single burn mark.
God desires that we go through life’s challenges without being weighed down by the negative effects. The idea is to walk through the waters, rivers, and fires of life but not be overwhelmed by them.
It’s about having a different experience—one without trauma or baggage. Think about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace. They were not harmed because there was a fourth man with them. Their experience left them unscathed, without fear of facing such trials again.
It’s like a child who, after touching fire and feeling no pain, repeatedly goes back to touch it. The child lacks the negative experience that would deter them. Similarly, God promises to be with us in our trials, ensuring we can walk through them without fear or bitterness. When we face challenges with God by our side, we can come out of them without scars, ready to confidently tackle future obstacles.
How can we pass through negative experiences and still be willing and obedient to do the work God has called us to do?
This truth would have helped me navigate negative experiences differently if I had been aware. I’ve had failed projects, businesses, and unfulfilling jobs. Now, the culmination of these experiences has led to feelings of fear and reasons not to go specific routes.
That means when I see fire ahead, I might be unwilling to pass through it. Why? Because the earlier experiences of passing through fire were not favourable.
However, getting started on the journey of fulfilling purpose without passing through these different elements is impossible. This calls us to rewire our thoughts, renew our minds, and think differently about such experiences.
It doesn’t matter what the competition, market, or your bank account says. As you pass through these different experiences, is God with you, or are you going through them alone?
One way to know whether we will come out of such experiences with baggage and fear is to assess how we navigate the experiences. Are we going through the experience with feelings of bitterness and anger, or are we experiencing peace that passes all understanding?
“I walk with God through all experiences.”
Take a moment to reflect on the situations that have influenced your current outlook. Perhaps a failed business, a demanding boss, or a career change has left you hesitant about venturing into similar paths. But imagine facing those challenges again, this time with God guiding you. How would your approach change? How would involving God in the process affect your journey?
By understanding that God can be our constant companion amid storms, we can walk through life with gratitude, knowing that His presence empowers us. Every day becomes an opportunity to face challenges head-on, knowing we do not face them alone.
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