Do you ever feel like God has left you in the fire too long?
Scripture uses the language of fire to describe trials:
“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you,” writes Peter in 1 Peter 4:12.
In my vulnerable moments, we wonder and maybe even panic: Has God has left me in the fire too long? But let’s both “be all ears that hear” to what God promises through and to His prophet Isaiah:
Isaiah 43:2-3: When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
- God is 100% attentive: every single moment of my trial is under his intense scrutiny and Lordship.
- How strengthening to know that His infinite wisdom, love, and power are all mine in my suffering. He will make sure that my trial will not consume me, not overwhelm me, will not burn me up and leave my life wasted in the fire.
- Do I believe that with all my heart? Or do I – as I consider my trials – feel completely overwhelmed?
- Even as you read this short post, take heart, those are exactly the kinds of trials in which God is mightily at work with results
- Our empathetic God comes near, enters the chaos and mess of our sorrows and suffering.
- He meticulously works every aspect of it, out for my good and His glory. His amazing skill, power and attentiveness are infinite and actively at work in me.
- He is in control of our trials and the result is definitely going to outweigh the pain.
Be fully assured:
God does not leave his children in the fire unattended.
Want more? Here is the complete original blog post that so struck and moved me that I stopped for a while and shared with you too.
