************************
"MondayReflection"
10th March 2025
Jeffery Curtis Poor
Pastor. Church Planter. Writer.
Trying to be more like Jesus
"The Real Meaning
of Isaiah 43 v 2"
When you pass through deep waters, I will be with you; your troubles will not overwhelm you. When you pass through fire, you will not be burned; the hard trials that come will not hurt you.
This verse contains some incredible imagery of what God does for his people.
There's so much we can learn from the meaning of Isaiah 43:2 that applies to our lives today.
And I think we often miss some of the beauty and depth that this verse offers us.
The book of Isaiah is one of the most significant books of prophecy and one of the most important books in the Bible.
These words are regularly quoted throughout the New Testament and one of Jesus' go-to books to quote.
In the previous chapter, we see the nation of Israel punished for their disobedience.
This is a common occurrence throughout the Old Testament.
God's people rebel and he turns them over to their enemies due to their sin.
But hope is not lost.
God has not forgotten his people and he will deliver his people.
Isaiah uses two symbols, fire and water, to show the trials that the nation of Israel was going through.
When these two symbols are used, together, they suggest totality of testing.
"When you pass through the waters" is referencing the Israelites' history.
During their 40 years wandering the desert Israel had passed through water with the help of God.
From Moses parting the Red Sea to crossing the Jordan.
Each time they had to pass through the waters that were well over their heads.
Crossing was dangerous.
But God was with them and he lead them through.
The promise of God is that when the rivers of life come our way they will not sweep you over.
God will uphold his people.
It's not IF these things happen, it's WHEN.
Isaiah is being clear, in this life we will face trials and hardships.
God never promises his followers an easy life, but he does promise to be with us through it all.
Think of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego who faced the furnace in Daniel.
God did not allow the flames to touch them.
So, how do we apply the meaning to our lives?
It boils down to having confidence in God to do what he's promised in the midst of our suffering and difficulties.
How can we display confidence?
You keep your eyes on Jesus.
In Matthew 14:22-33 an incredible story unfolds that perfectly depicts this.
Jesus calls Peter to walk on the water toward him during a storm.
Peter doesn't hesitate and hops out of the boat.
Soon he takes his eyes off Jesus and focuses instead on the waves and the depth of the water.
He sinks.
Jesus doesn't hesitate and pulls him out.
In this story Peter illustrates both what we should do and shouldn't do in storms.
First, he boldly steps out of the boat in response to Jesus.
When we accept the calling of Jesus there will be storms, but that shouldn't keep us from following Jesus.
Peter did what we all should do.
However, Peter walking on water is also a cautionary tale.
Once on the waters he began to sink because he took his eyes off Jesus.
When we are facing storms in this life, we've got to focus on Jesus rather than the storms around us.
So, when you pass through the waters keep your eyes on Jesus and the storms that you face will not take you out.
God is with you and he will lead you through.
><(((°>
Un-edited version avaiable, on request
Jeffery Curtis Poor
Husband. Father. Pastor. Church Planter. Writer.
Trying to be more like Jesus each day.
BA in Biblical Studies - Ozark Christian College (2012)
MA in Theology - Regent University (2019)
During the Interregnum
March 2025 to ....
Contact the Benefice Office
E-mail:
thebeneficeofbhkandr at gmail dot com
Contact the Benefice Office
Sunday School Rooms, Church Lane,
BUGBROOKE, Northampton, NN7 3PB
Land Line: 01604 830373
E-mail:
thebeneficeofbhkandr at gmail dot com
Mon., Tues., Wed., Thur.
9:00am to 11:30am
For Baptism bookings (Christenings)
to arrange an appointment please contact
the Benefice Office.
For Wedding bookings:
please contact the Benefice Office to arrange
an appointment.
Who Made This?
Seeing as you asked, if you can give helpful
advice or report factual corrections and
'deliberate mistakes',email:-
regparker3 at gmail dot com
Email addresses shown using words in an
attempt to avoid 'spam',
Type the email address replacing 'at' with '@',
and 'dot' with '.'