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.
Isaiah 43:2 NIV
God is Close to You
If you are a Canadian traveling abroad, the good news is that Canada is never very far away. Global Affairs Canada has embassies, consulates and offices throughout the world, and if there are no Canadian government offices in a country or region, often Canada has worked out agreements with Australia and Sweden to care for Canadians who need assistance while outside Canada. Be warned, however. Not all government offices provide full consular services. Check the website travel.gc.ca/assistance before you leave Canada.
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Life can be tough sometimes. For some of you, I hardly need to remind you of this. You’re going through an incredibly difficult time right now and you wonder where God is in the midst of all this. My role is to remind you today of one of the greatest promises in the word of God – the promise of God’s abiding presence. In Isaiah 43:2 God says, “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.” That last part sounds just like Daniel’s three friends in the fiery furnace. The flames were so hot, the king’s servants burned up just opening the door to put the Israelites in the furnace. But when they came out, they didn’t even smell like smoke! You may be in the fiery furnace right now. You might be drowning in the waters of overwhelming circumstances. The promise here is for you. Just as Jesus was in the boat with His disciples when their storm arose, He is with you right now.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley