By Pastor Dennis Morales

“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…”. Isaiah 43:2,3

The kingdom of Judah seemed to fear Babylon’s army and captivity. This verse is comforting because God encourages His people through the most difficult of circumstance and guides them. This is a reminder that He is not just with us in times of blessing, but also in difficulty. Sometimes our trials come in the way of waters, or rivers, or even fire. I’m reminded of the three friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, thrown into the fire because they wouldn’t bow down to an idol. They were thrown into the furnace but didn’t burn. The King who had them sentenced to death looked into the fiery furnace and quickly realized they were not alone. The Lord was with them in the fire. Imagine the conversation they had with the Lord! (Daniel 3:19-25). What is your conversation like when you realize God is in total control of your trial? When you realize that the “flame is NOT consuming you?” Where do you turn when things get difficult? Seek the one who created the waters, rivers, and fire. The One who has dominion over them. When king Hezekiah was sent a threatening letter from the enemy, he took this letter and spread it before the Lord. God told him to go to sleep. And he did! He woke up to a defeated enemy army. (2 Kings 19:35)

We are reminded to “fear not” in Scripture. In fact the Bible mentions “fear not” 365 times. That’s one “fear not” per day. Scripture tells us “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). The emphasis on “all circumstance,” great or small. Whether it be water, river, or fire, the Lord is with you. Won’t you trust Him today?

Calvary Chapel Eastvale meets Sundays 8:30 & 10:30 am at Eastvale Elementary. Visit their website at http://www.calvaryeastvale.org. Download their app to be up to date on all events. Livestream, YouTube live, and Facebook live is available.