Fiery Trials
Opening Prayer
Lord, thank You for redeeming me, thus making me Yours.
Read Isaiah 43:1–13
But now, this is what the Lord says—
he who created you, Jacob,
he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2 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.
3 For I am the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I give Egypt for your ransom,
Cush and Seba in your stead.
4 Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
and because I love you,
I will give people in exchange for you,
nations in exchange for your life.
5 Do not be afraid, for I am with you;
I will bring your children from the east
and gather you from the west.
6 I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’
and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’
Bring my sons from afar
and my daughters from the ends of the earth—
7 everyone who is called by my name,
whom I created for my glory,
whom I formed and made.”
8 Lead out those who have eyes but are blind,
who have ears but are deaf.
9 All the nations gather together
and the peoples assemble.
Which of their gods foretold this
and proclaimed to us the former things?
Let them bring in their witnesses to prove they were right,
so that others may hear and say, “It is true.”
10 “You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord,
“and my servant whom I have chosen,
so that you may know and believe me
and understand that I am he.
Before me no god was formed,
nor will there be one after me.
11 I, even I, am the Lord,
and apart from me there is no savior.
12 I have revealed and saved and proclaimed—
I, and not some foreign god among you.
You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “that I am God.
13 Yes, and from ancient days I am he.
No one can deliver out of my hand.
When I act, who can reverse it?”
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Meditate
“There is no scriptural foundation for a belief that we can forever escape being persecuted for Christ’s sake” (Billy Graham, 1918–2018).
Think Further
As you read this, all over the world our brothers and sisters are suffering for the sake of the Gospel of Christ. It has been estimated that in over a quarter of the countries in the world, Christians face real persecution, and so for many, the fiery trials described in verse 2 are not just a metaphor but a living reality. It has often been said that the true church has two conditions: being persecuted or preparing for persecution. As we pray for those being persecuted (Heb. 13:3), we all need to take this passage to heart. Though the fire and deep water of this verse tells us that
God permits hardship for his people, the reality of it for, let’s say, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in Daniel 3 was literal enough.
When we face such experiences, what should we bear in mind? With what truths should we ask the Lord to comfort his persecuted people? This passage is full of them! As God’s people, we are both created and redeemed by him (1). We belong to the One who calls us by our names (1). We are never called to go through such experiences alone, because we enjoy his presence with us and such experiences can never ultimately destroy our life in him (2). We are bought with a price (3), so we are precious in his sight (4). Ultimately, nothing can stop God’s gracious purposes for us being fulfilled (5–7). That is because our God is sovereign over the whole earth (9) and is the only true God (10). Not only can he alone save (11), but when we are in his hands, there is no power stronger (12,13)—no matter who the enemy is!
Apply
The readers of 1 Peter 1 were facing trials, too (cf. 6,7). How does the apostle encourage and challenge them? How do I apply that today?
Closing prayer
Lord, Your promises to me are so very precious. No other god could make such promises.
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