Through Water and Fire

Isaiah 43:1-3 “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. 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. For I am the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”

A few years ago I went through a very difficult trying season with a pain filled unhealthy relationship. My focus was shifted off of Jesus and onto myself. This is never a good thing no matter how you try to justify it. Needless to say, I made some poor choices. The consequences left me not only broken, but filled with great fear. I sank into a dark period of depression.

But God is a good good Father. He used this pain filled time to draw me back. In the darkness, He was with me every step of the way. I clung to Jesus and the cross for my very life! Although I walked through the water and fire, He was with me and did not let it consume me! I am humbled. I am grateful. In my weakness, He gave me His strength to put one foot in front of the other and walk through the “valley of the shadow of death” (Psalm 23:4); hand in hand with Him. He restored my health and my relationship with Him. He gave me a fresh hope and a new outlook on life!

I have heard people say “Don’t waste your pain.” My hope is to share stories from my life journey to help others. What Jesus has done for me, friend, He can do for you! “The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: ‘I have loved you with unfailing kindness. I will build you up again, and you, Virgin Israel, will be rebuilt” (Jeremiah 31:3). He is faithful when we are not. He died so we could live. He forgives so we can have new life and have it abundantly.