But now, this is what the Lord says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “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.
—Isaiah 43:1-2

~~~~~

Through Fire or Flood, I Walk With God
by Jennifer Kane

He called me—
not just as one among many,
but by name.
His voice breaking through the noise,
claiming me as His own.

When the waters rise,
cold and rushing,
threatening to sweep away all I know—
He is there.
Not watching from the shore,
but stepping into the current beside me.

When the fire rages,
hot with fear and trial,
He does not command me to flee.
He walks with me
into the flames,
and somehow, I am not consumed.

It isn’t ease He promises,
but presence.
Not an escape,
but endurance.
And always—
always—
love.

So I walk,
not because I am strong,
but because He is near.
Not because the path is clear,
but because His hand holds mine.

Through fire or flood,
I walk with God—
and that
is enough.

~~~~~

Scripture: Isaiah 43:1-2

Life brings floods and fires. We face waves of sorrow, rivers of stress, and flames of adversity. The trials are not hypothetical—they are certain. God’s promise in Isaiah 43 doesn’t say if we pass through these things, but when. But embedded in that promise is a deeper, stronger truth: we are not alone.

God begins this word to His people with a reminder of identity and relationship: “I created you… I formed you… I redeemed you… I called you by name… You are mine.” Before He speaks of the waters or the fire, He reminds us who we are and who He is. That changes everything.

The God who created us also claims us. We are His, not just by design, but by redemption. Just as He led His people through the Red Sea and through the fire of Babylon’s furnace, He walks with us through our own trials today. The waters won’t drown you. The fire won’t destroy you. Why? Because He is with you.

His presence doesn’t remove the trial—it transforms it. Because He walks with us, we can walk—not run—in peace. Walking is the pace at which you go when you are not in a hurry, when you are not concerned or alarmed. We can walk through what others flee, because our faith anchors us to the One who holds us.

This isn’t a promise of comfort but of companionship. Not ease, but endurance. Not escape, but Emmanuel—God with us.

So today, whatever waters you’re crossing or flames you’re facing, remember this: God is near, God is able, and God calls you His own.

How can remembering God as your Creator and Redeemer help calm your fear?
In what ways can you slow your pace and walk in trust, instead of running in panic?

~~~~~

Father God, thank You for being with me in the deep waters and fierce fires. Remind me that I am Yours—created, redeemed, and known by name. Help me to walk with You in peace and faith, knowing You will never leave me. Strengthen me today to trust in Your sustaining presence. In Jesus’ name, amen.

May 8 2025