Through Deep Waters
Howdy there, friend, come on up on this ol’ front porch like you just plum heard a cricket strike up its afternoon concert and spotted a jug of sweet, iced tea just waitin’ for some good company. So, pull up a chair and settle in for a lil’ spell. Let’s sit here and watch a lanky deer tiptoe through the brush with all the confidence of a barnyard duck that thinks it can outsmart a tractor. Life can make us feel a whole lot like that lil’ deer. We try to glide through our troubles gracefully, but the minute the ground shifts, we end up lookin’ about as steady as a pig tryin’ to balance on a fence rail. That’s why Isaiah 43:2 settles over us like a cool shade tree on a blisterin’ day. It says, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.” Not around. Through.
We all love shortcuts. We sho’-nuff’ all want God to lift us right over the mess, steer us plum around the heartache, or give us a spiritual fast‑pass, so we’ll never have to feel any of the heat. But that’s just not usually how He works. He plum walks us straight through the middle of it. And Psalm 66:12 says, “We went through fire and through water, but You brought us out to rich fulfillment.” Friend, that verse is like findin’ a hidden spring in the middle of a dry pasture. It reminds us that God does His very best work right in the middle of things, not out on the margins.
Isaiah says, “When you pass through the waters,” not “if.” The waters will rise. The rivers will swell. The fire will burn. But you will pass through ‘em, and He will be right there with you. Psalm 23:4 echoes it. “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.” David didn’t say he walked around the valley. He walked right through it. And God stayed right there beside him.
There are things God forges in the middle of a trial that can’t be formed anywhere else or in any other way. Character plums grows. Faith sho’-nuff’ deepens. Dependence becomes real and personal instead of theoretical. The middle is where God chisels away fear and builds real courage. The middle is where the most inspirin’ testimonies are born.
Father, thank You for walkin’ with me through every river, every fire, and every valley. Teach me to trust Your presence more than my fear. Strengthen my faith and steady my steps. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Alright now, friend, before the day plum grabs you by the collar like a mischievous ol’ goat that found an open feed sack, let me anchor your heart with this truth that God’s presence will steady you like a faithful ol’ mule that refuses to leave your side on a long trail. His strength will meet you in places as unexpected as a shy lil’ bobcat peekin’ out from behind the cedar trees. And His peace will blanket your heart with the calm of a meadow just after sunrise. You gotta be walkin’ forward with courage. The God who brings His people through fire and water is already walkin’ ahead of you and preparin’ the way for every single step you have yet to take.
With joy,
Gwen
