Daily Devotion (April 11, 2025)
Isaiah 43:2 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
This exemplifies God’s presence and protection during the trials of life. I find myself doing my morning devotion the night before, at 11:08, due to the threat of severe weather. As Christians, we are not immune to these storms. They come, and we must face them. Just north of us, a storm is brewing, ready to hit. But it’s not just the atmospheric storms we encounter; it’s also the spiritual storms. We often blame Satan for these storms, but in reality, sometimes we bring them upon ourselves.
I must admit, I am in the midst of a storm now. Choices that seemed harmless at the time can build into a massive tsunami, a tidal wave that overpowers us. We do pass through the waters, and at times, they seem overwhelming.
God’s promise is when we do pass through the waters, He will be with us. He offers us His peace and strength.
Our faith is measured by how we respond to the storms. Maybe this statement is a little strong. Storms play a big part in helping to build our faith. When Jesus disciples went through the storms, literally went through the storms, Jesus was there. Matthew 8:26 tells us Jesus rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. Mark 4:39 says Jesus rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still” The wind died down and it was completely calm. Jesus has the ability to bring peace in the center of chaos.
Job: While Job did not face literal fire, his life was marked by intense suffering and trials, including the loss of his family, wealth, and health. His story symbolizes the refining process of faith through adversity (Job 1-42).
Abraham: Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac can be seen as a figurative trial by fire, testing his faith and obedience to God (Genesis 22:1-19).
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: These three men were thrown into a fiery furnace by King Nebuchadnezzar for refusing to worship a golden image. Miraculously, they were unharmed, and a fourth figure, believed to be an angel or a divine presence, appeared with them in the fire (Daniel 3:19-27). This is a literal example of enduring fire and a figurative representation of unwavering faith under trial. There was a fourth person, Jesus, who protected them from the fire.