Pure Glory

by Hazel Straub

Many times, when God has us in a narrow tight place, we cry out for rescuing from our situation. We think, “If only God would quickly change our circumstances, everything would be fine.” Instead God says he is not delivering us out of our difficulty but is walking with us through our predicament.

God is with us, so we will not fear. It is on the journey with him, that we have our character refined, are humbled and become more like Christ. Also hardship teaches us to focus on Yahweh, who is present with us, not on the water that seeks to overwhelm us or the flames that leap at us. He has promised that we will not drown nor will the fire burn or scorch us. He is our help and strength, in the midst of trials.  He will make us a powerful testimony of overcoming, with the help of God, to many who do not know him yet.

Isaiah 43:1(b)-3(a) (NIV 1984)
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. 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. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;”