Fireproof Christians
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. ~Isaiah 43:2
Trials in the life of a Christian are an indispensable part of the Christian life. Without trials, we cannot grow in the grace of the Lord. Without trials, we cannot learn patience. Without trials, we cannot be trusted with new levels of opportunities of service. Trials are referred to by Peter as being "fiery." Fire has the association with heat and burning. As we consider the necessity of trials, God desires that we are fireproof Christians.
There is the purpose in trials.
Trials are God’s gift for spiritual growth. Trials teach us to have faith in God. They teach us to have complete reliance upon God for strength and power. Trials help us to see how weak and helpless we are apart from God. Trials give us wisdom. We understand how all things work together for good to them that love God. We draw closer to God, and our love for Him is deepened. The fire of a trial burns away the dross of sin in our life. Trials help us to develop joy in our life. Trials are always for our benefit.
There is the protection in trials.
God said that when we pass through the waters, He will be with us. When we pass through the rivers, the waters will not overflow us. When we walk through the fire, we will not be burned, neither shall the flame kindle upon us. In effect, our trials are in accordance to what we can endure. They will come close to us, but they cannot hurt us. Yes, we will feel the intensity, but God is with us through all of it. When Daniel’s three friends were cast into the burning fiery furnace, the figure of a fourth man like unto the Son of God was evident. The Lord is with us no matter what the trial is. We have His protection.
There is the promise in trials.
We will come forth like gold that has been purified. Our testimony enables us to proclaim Christ to the unsaved. He said we shall not be burned. We are fireproof. The flames shall not kindle upon us! I am thinking right now of several choice members of our church who are going through fiery trials. They are going through health-related trials where they cannot see past what today has for them. Yet, these dear Christians have been faithful, prayerful, and thankful. God’s grace in their life has more than sustained them. God’s grace in their life has given them peace. God’s grace is making them stronger as they become weaker. The Lord is true and faithful in His promise.
Don’t allow the flames and heat of a trial to discourage your faith. Let your faith abound as God teaches you how to trust Him, depend on Him, and wait on Him. Let your testimony help others to see Jesus in you. Stay faithful as a fireproof Christian!
Have an insulated God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Isaiah 5-8