In Rivers of Difficulty

But now, O Jacob, listen to the LORD who created you.

O Israel, the one who formed you says,

"Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.

I have called you by name, you are mine.

When you go through deep waters,

I will be with you.

When you go through rivers of difficulty,

you will not drown.

When you walk through the fire of oppression,

you will not be burned up;

the flames will not consume you.

For I am the Lord your God,

the Holy One of Israel, your Savior...

Others were given in exchange for you.

I traded their lives for yours

because you are precious to me.

You are honored and I love you."

Isaiah 43:1-3a,4

Although God can remove the mountains if we just have the faith of a mustard seed, there are still times in our lives where we must go through rivers of difficulty.  As people of God, we are not immune to experiencing the troubles that this world brings.  In fact, because of Christ, the world hates us.  Therefore we should expect to face difficulties in this world.  In facing these deep waters, we have a choice to make.  We can either go it alone under our own strength or invite Christ to climb into the boat with us.  If we face these deep waters under our own strength, we most likely will drown.  If we invite Christ into the boat with us, He will protect us - giving the spiritual strength we need to overcome.  Christ protects us because He honors and loves us.  He will help us to survive the rivers of difficulty.  However, that doesn't mean that He'll necessarily remove those difficulties.  Nor does it mean that we won't have battle scars from the experience.  It simply means He will be there to help us through it AND if we rely upon Him, keep our faith, then He will bring us through spiritually intact and stronger than before!

Because God loves us and honors us, He will climb into that boat riding down the rivers of difficulty right along side of us.  But we must let Him navigate that river.  We must be patient, stay strong in our faith, never wavering, relying on His strength and guidance no matter the outcome.  He may choose to remove the mountain or lift us safely out of the river before we hit the rapids.  But then again, He may choose not to.  You see God's primary concern is our spiritual condition not our worldly condition.  Though He does not wish for us to suffer and cares deeply when we do, He knows that completely removing us from suffering renders a stagnant faith in us.  And if He did not spare His One and Only Son from suffering for our sakes, then who are we to think that we should be given a free pass?  He is our Heavenly Father who knows what is best because of His ETERNAL perspective.  And we, His spiritual children, aren't able to see much beyond our finite state.  Therefore, what we want and think as best often comes into conflict of what our Heavenly Father knows as best.  It's so difficult for us to trust in what we can not see, but we can and must trust in God in all circumstances! 

God can take the difficulties we face in life to grow us. Paul says that those who endure the rivers of difficulties come out stronger in the end.  In Romans 5:3-5, Paul writes:

  "We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.  And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.  And this hope will not lead to disappointment, For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love." 

We are to rejoice in these deep waters not because of the pain nor the trajedy, but because these bring opportunity for God build our faith and character.  God is not the source of these problems - we live in a fallen world, an imperfect world filled with sin.  But He can use these difficulties for the good of those who love Him and obey His commands!  He can help us to OVERCOME any difficulty life or Satan throws at us!  Why?  Because of His great love for us.  Did you notice the last verse in BOTH passages that were quoted above?  Go back and read Isaiah 43:4 and Romans 1:5 - the last sentence of both passages.  What do they both say about why God helps us through deep waters?  Because HE LOVES US!!!  We will never be disappointed in God if we truly trust in Him, remain faithful, and obey.  He is always with us as evidenced by the presence of HIS VERY OWN HOLY SPIRIT within us!!! 

Do not panic or fear in when you are in rivers of difficulty.  Know that your Savior has climbed in the boat with you.  Allow Him to steer and use these difficulties to make you stronger.  Be perserverant and endure in faith - that will build your character, which in turn, will deepen your trust and faith in our wonderful God!  He has a beautiful, ETERNAL future in store for you.  He promises to give you a hope and a future. 

When you are in rivers of difficulty, thank God for the opportunity to grow.  He will see you through the dangereous rapids no matter what - if you persevere and trust Him.  And even if you started off down the rivers of difficulty without Him, it's never too late to ask for His help.  Remember, He can walk across the raging waters to reach your boat.  Simply place your faith and trust in Him today!  He loves you so much that He traded the life of His very own Son - for you!
     
In His Love, Cathy