Rivers of Difficulty

“When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.” Isaiah 43:2 NLT

You’re familiar with it, the nagging fear and nervousness that won’t go away, the sense that something isn’t quite right, but in fact, is very wrong and God is going to call on you to confront it. You pray, beg, plead, worry and become consumed by the thought that you are being asked to deal with something far beyond your ability to handle. You’re afraid—the job will be lost, the relationship will be broken, your attempts will be rejected, you’re heart broken.

I have prayed and pleaded, talked to friends in vague terms, and a few trusted ones in terms not so vague, thinking, “Who can help me with this? Who do I know that has experienced this? How did they handle it? Did they feel like I do?”

A few months ago we were hemmed in on every side with fears and concerns. It seemed to be a no win situation.

Then in a moment of crisis, like a bubble bursting in my brain, the thought exploded into my consciousness and I knew. It became clear which Bible study from the pile on my desk was right for my group that autumn.

Truths I had known for years became clear at a practical level. I recognized things God had been saying in His word all along, but I had missed the point: God is Sovereign.

God reigns supreme over all things. My worries are worthless. God is in control. He already knows what the outcome will be, for good or ill. Jesus said it in the Garden of Gethsemane, “Not my will, but Yours.”

A new kind of peace entered my heart and mind. It has been life-changing.

I learned to look for God and wait, in each situation which could cause me worry, recognizing that He is working on His own timeline.

He has opened doors and shown me the pathway clearly. He has broken down barriers I thought were insurmountable.

He softens hearts, or completely solves the situation in response to praying, waiting and watching—exactly what Jesus asked of His disciples in the garden in His own sorrow and agony.

What is creating worry and unrest in your heart? How do you see the waters sweeping over you and dragging you under? What do you fear?

Leave your situation at God’s throne today. Praise Him for His sovereignty. He will be with you.