Passing Through Troubled Waters & Meeting the Challenges of Life

"When you pass through the waters I will be with you; through the rivers they shall not overflow you." Isaiah 43:2

The people of Israel well knew what this Scripture meant in reality, because in those days and in many places in the world today one must cross a river or stream that had no bridge to cross. When the river is swollen from heavy rains or melting snow it can be very dangerous to cross on foot.

King David Writes:
"Save me O God; for the waters have come up to my neck, I sink in deep mire where there is no standing. I have come into deep waters where the floods overflow me." Psalm 69:1,2

David meant this to express the deep trouble he was in and cried out to God for help.

David was a man of war who fought many battles. David depended on God to win his battles.

Most of us have gone through troubled waters in our lives and have called out to God much like David

It Could Be An:

  • Illness (Cancer, Aids)
  • Loss of a job
  • Death of a loved one (Mother, Father)
  • A sudden change in our lives (Homeless)
  • A broken home (Divorce)
  • Being destroyed by drugs or alcohol
  • Or time in prison

We are forced to face reality and with Godıs help make it safely across.

Illustration on How God will Help Us Through Troubled Waters

There was a father and his 2 twin 13-year-old sons going backpacking in the Mountains of Montana. It was early July and the upper trail was still covered with snow. As they were hiking to their surprise they came across a 64 ft wide, 5 ft deep fast raging stream caused from freshly melted snow. In order to get to their destination they had to cross the cold stream. There were no bridges or ramps to make their crossing easier, so they decided to cross the raging stream.

After taking off some of their clothing and shoes, the father entered the icy water carrying their packs and clothing across to the other side. When he waded into the water his legs felt instant pain. After a number of trips across, he braced himself in the middle and held out his hand and told his sons to come out to him one at a time. Each one had to brave the fast current and trust their father. Reaching out as far as he could, one son held out his hand and stumbled on the slippery rocks and began to fall, but the father held tightly and guided him across to safety. Even though their legs were cold, they were very happy at the victory and continued their journey. They could have chosen to go back to the main campground and have an easy time, but they were willing to brave the troubled waters to meet their goal.

This is a little like our heavenly Father who is willing to help us across in times of trouble and sorrow.

Paul Writes:
2 Corinthians 4:8-9 "We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed but not in despair, persecuted but not forsaken; struck down but not destroyed."

He further states in 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 "For I donıt want you to be ignorant brothers of our trouble which came to us in Asia that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength so that we despaired even of life. Yes we had the sentence of death in ourselves that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead."

Isaiah 41:13 "For the Lord your God will hold your right hand, saying to you fear not I will help you".

Conclusion:
God has not promised that the skies will always be blue
God has not promised the Sun without rain
Joy without sorrow
Peace without pain
We all shall know trial and temptation

But God has promised strength for the day, rest for the labor, light for the way, grace for the trials, help from above, unfailing sympathy, undying love.

DONıT GIVE UP; TAKE GODıS HAND AND HE WILL SUSTAIN YOU AND GIVE YOU STRENGTH FOR EACH DAY.

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