Tuesday, 26th June 2023
Andrews Ampomah
TOPIC: YOU WILL NEVER WALK ALONE
THEME SCRIPTURE: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.” – Isaiah 43:2
PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:
- What is your perception of trials that come the way of Christians?
- What should be the Christian response to trials?
Oscar Hammerstein II's words, You'll never walk alone, (adopted as an anthem by Liverpool FC) comforted families post-Hillsborough's tragedy in 1989, where 96 fans lost their lives. Crisis and challenges are inherent in life. The COVID-19 pandemic, Russia-Ukraine conflict, and global economic difficulties confront us today. Suffering touches every aspect of human existence; impacting families and individuals through painful loss, business setbacks, the inability to provide for loved ones, and prolonged afflictions on loved ones. During times of family and individual difficulties, a feeling of loneliness often takes hold.
Times of difficulty are times of many questions - “where is God?”
Against the backdrop of the predicted difficult times for Israel in Isaiah 42, Isaiah 43 affirms the identity of God’s people as redeemed by him, and assures them of his ever-present help to provide relief in times of difficulty. God assures Israel, that they are his people “…fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name;
You are Mine.” This shows the close relationship that exists between God and His people.
Israel holds a special place as God's treasured possession. God further promises Israel “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.” This emphasizes the inevitability of difficulties for the nation of Israel. When you pass through water implies Israel will not sink nor be drowned under the weight of afflictions. When you walk through the fire… emphasizes the certainty of afflictions in addition to the water experience. What is most reassuring and comforting is the promise of God’s unwavering presence with Israel in times of tribulations “I will be with you.” In times when everyone reject and turn their backs on you, God assures – You will never walk alone.
Beloved in Christ Jesus, we are not guaranteed a life of constant luxury and exemption from difficulties.
The Apostle James encourages us to find joy in the midst of trials (James 1:2). The Christian journey is not a bed of roses but rather one that is shaped through the fires of various trials. You might currently find yourself enduring relentless trials of different kinds, to the point where you may have even questioned your faith in Christ Jesus. Take comfort in knowing that it is the redeemed, the Christian, who experience these trials. It is during these times of difficulty that we rely heavily on God's comforting presence.
Dearly beloved in Christ, God assures us in our most difficult times that He “…will never leave you nor forsake you" (Deut 31:6). As we go through trials of various kinds, let us comfort ourselves with the words of this hymn knowing very well that the Christian never walks alone: “When peace like a river, attendeth my way. When sorrows like sea billows roll. Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say. It is well, it is well, with my soul…”
FURTHER READING – Isaiah 43
Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so
QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD
- How are you dealing with your own trials?
CONFESSION
Heavenly Father, thank you for ordaining trials to be part of my Christian walk with you. I ask for the grace to be conscious of your unwavering presence in the midst of trials. Help me to go through trials of every kind that comes my way in Christ Jesus, Amen.
1-Year Bible Reading Plan
1 Samuel 7; 1 Samuel 8; Isaiah 52; Revelation 14
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