	Bob Hostetler > Devotions

Fear Not

by Bob Hostetler

"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).

It was an odd promise, but it apparently worked. When my wife's grandfather proposed to his sweetheart (my wife's grandmother), he promised that she would have fresh bananas on the kitchen table every day for the rest of her life. The promised bananas were never delivered, but they enjoyed a happy marriage of many years nonetheless.

When God makes a promise, he always delivers. And when through Isaiah he promises to protect his people "through many dangers, toils, and snares," there can be no doubt that he will come through. After all, was he not with Moses and the Hebrews when they passed "through the waters" of the Red Sea? Was he not with Joshua and the new nation of Israel when they passed "through the river" Jordan? Was he not with the three Hebrews--Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego--when they walked "through the fire" of the Babylonian furnace and were not burned?

Can you doubt that he will be with you, through whatever dangers, toils, and snares you face? "Do not be afraid," he says, "for I am with you" (Isaiah 43:5).

Prayer: Lord, my God, the Holy One of Israel, you are my Savior; help me to trust you through the waters, through the rivers, through the fire.

More devotions by Bob Hostetler...