DEVOTION – DAY 346

Isaiah 43:2 “God’s Presence”

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.”

The prophet Isaiah encouraged the Israelites of God’s presence with His people. Isaiah reminded them that God was with them when they passed through the waters. This was a reference to the Jews crossing the Red Sea to escape Pharaoh’s advancing army (Exodus 14:21-22). God was with the Israelites as Joshua led them across the parted Jordan River to the Promised Land. Isaiah reminded them that the Israelites passed through the river and they were not swept away (Joshua 3:14-17). God was with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego when they were thrown into a huge furnace. They emerged from the furnace unhurt even as those who threw them into the furnace perished (Daniel 3:25-27). This was because as Isaiah wrote about God in Isaiah 43:3, “I am the Lord, Your God, the Holy One of Israel, Your Savior.” We too can claim the same promise because God remains our God and His presence is with us always.

We know of many examples of how God had protected His people. For example, a young man was driving late at night and he was tired. He fell asleep while driving. As a result, the car veered off the road and hit a tree. The car was severely damaged but this man escaped with minor injuries. We know of another woman who was driving on the highway and her car was involved in an accident. She cried out to God to save her, just as her car turned turtle and ended up in a ditch. Her car was a write off but she escaped with just a few minor scratches, to give praise to God. A man was rushing to finish his work so that he could leave for the airport to catch a preplanned business flight. Unfortunately, at the last minute, an urgent matter arose that needed his personal attention. He remained at his desk to see to the matter. Then, he rushed to the airport hoping to catch his flight. But he arrived too late and the boarding gates had closed. He had no choice but to arrange to take the next available flight which was the next morning. Later, he found out that the flight that he had missed had crashed and everyone on board had perished. He thanked the Lord that the unforeseen delay at work had prevented him from boarding that ill-fated flight. God’s unseen hand protected every one of these people from serious harm.

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, thank you for being our watchful Shepherd. Thank you for your gracious protection. Thank you for your constant presence in our lives. Thank you for your mercies. Please continue to watch over us. We pray this in the wonderful name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Questions

  1. How has God watched over you and saved you from some disastrous event? Share.
  2. How does this verse encourage you to trust the Lord when you face a tough situation?
  3. What tough situation are you facing that you need God’s presence and help? Share.