Good News – Despite The Trials.
“Since you are precious and honoured in my sight, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you, and people in exchange for your life. Do not be afraid, for I am with you.” Isaiah 43:4-5
We live in an imperfect world, one where good people suffer and bad people seem to stay healthy. But the good news is that God keeps score!
Isaiah recorded God’s message: “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 LORD, your God” (Isaiah 43:1-3).
Notice that Isaiah began each thought with the word ‘when’ and not ‘if’. When means it’s eventually going to happen, so you had better be prepared.
First, Isaiah spoke of the depth of the trial – the deep waters. If you have ever taken a walking stick and tried to cross a turbulent river where the water was swift and the rocks were slippery, and you couldn’t see where the deep holes were, you understand that is how recovery can be from an illness, or a financial disaster, or a broken relationship. At any moment you are prone to be swept off your feet and carried downstream-or you stumble, uncertain of your footing. That’s the way it often is, getting through your trial.
Then Isaiah mentioned the turbulence of your trial. The rivers won’t drown you. The word is plural. It means there will be more than a few challenges before you knock on heaven’s door; but paraphrasing what he said, “You’re going to make it.”
Finally, he speaks of the intensity of the trial – you will go through the fire but you won’t be burned. This is Good news because of what God has promised. You will find them all in Isaiah 43.
First God says, “I will be with you.” It matters little what you face when you know He is right by you, to guide, comfort, and sustain.
“The river will not drown you,”
“You will not be burned.” Remember the three Hebrew men in the fiery furnace? The God who delivered them will take you through your trial as well.
God says, “You are precious in my sight.” Think about that for a moment. What makes something precious? Diamonds are said to be precious stones, and something that is precious usually comes with an emotional attachment. What may be precious to someone else may be junk to you. This means God cares about you.
God says, “You are honoured.” That’s what grace is about, what God does for you that you don’t deserve.
Finally, God said, “I love you!” Wow! That’s the entire message of the New Testament in three words. “I Love You!”
While you may not understand why, yet, it’s the reason God sent His Son to provide a way of forgiveness and redemption and hope. It’s the best news on this side of heaven!