July 13: When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned!

Isaiah 41:11-43:7

Isaiah 42:1-4

Amplified Bible (AMP)

42 Behold my [a]Servant, Whom I uphold, My elect in Whom My soul delights! I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice and right and reveal truth to the nations.

2 He will not cry or shout aloud or cause His voice to be heard in the street.

3 A bruised reed He will not break, and a dimly burning wick He will not quench; He will bring forth justice in truth.

4 He will not fail or become weak or be crushed and discouraged till He has established justice in the earth; and the islands and coastal regions shall wait hopefully for Him and expect His direction and law.

Footnotes:

1. Isaiah 42:1 This is the first of the famous prophecies concerning the great future “Servant of the Lord” (Isa. 42:1-7; 49:1-9a; 50:4-9; 52:13-53:12). Interpreters have struggled with the question, “Who is meant by ‘the servant’?” Some think the “servant of the Lord” is the people of Israel. Others think it makes reference to the faithful part of the people, the “ideal” people of Israel. Still others think of the prophets as a group. Another large group of scholars believes that the “Servant of the Lord” is the Messiah, the One Who will establish God’s kingdom on earth.

   Isaiah 42:5-7

   Amplified Bible (AMP)
   5 Thus says God the Lord—He Who created the heavens and stretched them forth, He Who spread abroad the earth and that which comes out of it, He Who gives breath to the people on it and spirit to those who walk in it:

   6 I the Lord have called You [the Messiah] for a righteous purpose and in righteousness; I will take You by the hand and will keep You; I will give You for a covenant to the people [Israel], for a light to the nations [Gentiles],

   7 To open the eyes of the blind, to bring out prisoners from the dungeon, and those who sit in darkness from the prison.

   Isaiah 43:1-2

   Amplified Bible (AMP)

   43 But now [in spite of past judgments for Israel’s sins], thus says the Lord, He Who created you, O Jacob, and He Who formed you, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed you [ransomed you by paying a price instead of leaving you captives]; I have called you by your name; you are Mine.

   2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned or scorched, nor will the flame kindle upon you.

   Are you in the biggest and ugliest and most painful trial of your life? Does the thought of facing another day fill your mind with fear and dread? Do you wish you could just go to sleep and not wake up? Read these words of scripture and be encouraged.

   Jesus went through the worst trial of his life, ending when His life ended. Then came His resurrection and the greatest victory of His life. Revealing the PURPOSE of His life.

   Just wait. Wait on the Lord. Even though it hurts to breathe. As you're waiting, reach out to others who are hurting and broken. As You're healed, they will be too.

   Isaiah 40:31

   Amplified Bible (AMP)

   31 But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired.

   "Dear Jesus, I pray for encouragement for the one who is in intense pain. It hurts even to breathe. They feel hollow inside. The ache is just too deep for words. Please send an angel to this dear child today to whisper words of encouragement in their ear. Thank You that You love us so deeply. Thank You that we only have to whisper Your name and You come running to our side. You are worthy to be praised. Bless Your mighty name, Jesus. AMEN."