Fire and Water

We take them for granted, stand in disbelief in natural disasters, and yet they reveal that the Creator is right beside us through it all.

It hasn’t been that many months since flood waters reached the mountains of North Carolina in historic and horrific fashion. The recovery has only just begun.

Now, Los Angeles is experiencing historic wildfires of epic proportions. Water, the element that destroyed lives and homes in the mountains of North Carolina, is a precious commodity being used in full force to try and contain the flames in Los Angeles.

In these days, I often think about how much we take these elements of water and fire for granted. Think of all the times these elements are mentioned in God’s Word, both to warm and refresh, to devastate, and to show God’s power. But it wasn’t the fiery furnace or the parting of the red sea that first came to mind, it was these words from the prophet, Isaiah.

In recent years, I’ve begun Bible journaling using resources from Visual Faith® Ministry and here’s what this passage looks like in my Bible

But now thus says the Lord,
he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine.
² When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.
Isaiah 43:1-2 ESV

There are so many comforting words and phrases in this passage, in the midst flood waters and consuming fires. We have been redeemed! God calls each of us by. name and reminds us that we belong to Him!

I cannot even imagine the heartache of those who have and will continue to spend months rebuilding their homes and lives. But both the words of Isaiah and the lyrics from this song remind us that the peace that passes all understanding comes from knowing that Jesus is right beside us through such hardships. He weeps with us. He holds us tight. He knows the grief of loss.

We still feel the pain because we live in a broken world, but Jesus took all that to the cross and bore it for us. We can find comfort in His presence as we navigate through the storms and the fires.

“There was another in the fire
Standing next to me
There was another in the waters
Holding back the seas
And should I ever need reminding
Of how I've been set free
There is a cross that bears the burden
Where another died for me
There is another in the fire.”

- Another in the Fire (Hillsong United)