peaceTuesday, August 18
Through, Not Around
Scripture
"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
What it means
Look at two short words. Not if you pass through, but when. Not around the water, but through it. Isaiah wrote to people facing exile. God does not promise them a way around the river. He promises to be with them in it, and that the water will not sweep them away. Not if you pass through, but when. Not around the water, but through it. Isaiah wrote this to people facing exile, and God does not offer them an exemption from the river. He offers company inside it, and a guarantee about the outcome rather than about the route.