Isaiah 43:1-3 “But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.”
There are possibly different testings and trials in life and here are some relevant practical pointers for us to consider by the grace of God.
1. Perseverance in the Lord
We must learn to reflect and endure as God s grace is sufficient for us and we need to press on and not despair or give up . We need to ask and pray for strength to continue to humbly seek and honour God even when we may not see immediate answers or relief now but let God be sovereign to decide as His will is the best for us. Psa136.
2. Praise & Worship of God
In your darkest moments learn to seek and sing from our hearts to exalt Christ with psalms and hymns and listen to and obey His Word and to acknowledge God’s goodness and sovereignty even amid suffering and pain. Praise is the new language we need to learn here on earth in our lifetime for we speak that language in heaven one day. Every sabbath service is a rehearsal for this glorious day. Col 3:16.
3. Prayerful Supplications in Humble Submission
Let us humbly bring specific requests before our Father, beseeching Him for the forgiveness of sin in sincere confession and repentance, for guidance and comfort, or even healing or otherwise as He wills, and for divine provision and direction in our times of need and pray for one another and together as a body of Christ in our personal devotions and the church corporate prayer meeting in the fellowship of saints and to intercede for others as well. Phil 4:6,7 and Heb 4:16.
4. Persistence and Patience in Waiting Upon the Lord
There is a difficult 4-letter word for all believers, and it is the word, WAIT. Sometimes, God’s answers to our prayers do not come immediately, and our prayer during our distress or trials may require much needed patience for God has a better plan and a purpose in due season and we need to wait (and not be idle) and trust in His perfect timing and not ours. Rom 8:28, Psa 27:14.
5. Power of Peace of Heart and Mind in Divine Protection & Provisions
There is a precious word to the Jews, and it is Shalom. Jehovah Shalom is our God and our Peace, and we are comforted by it. We are not alone, for God is with us even though we may not feel it. He can give lasting serenity in our souls and peace and comfort to us even in the midst of our tribulations and the darkest valley of fear and even in the midst of impending death and in times of sickness, loss of jobs or depression or bereavement as we read and trust in His Word and His promises. John 14:27 and Isa 26:3,4.
The prophet says in Isa 41:10, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
May the Lord guide and lead us in all the trials of life with His sovereign grace and mercy.