“When you pass through the waters”: a devotional on Isaiah 43:1-3

The promise does not say “if”. It says “when”. “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned” (Isaiah 43:2). God does not promise his people an easy road. He promises to walk it with them.

Called by name

These words were spoken to Israel facing or living in exile. They had lost their land and their temple. They wondered whether God had abandoned them. The chapter begins: “But now, this is what the Lord says, he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” Before any promise about trouble, God reminds his people who they are.

God does not relate to his people as a crowd. He knows each by name. In a world where many feel invisible, that is a deep comfort.

Through waters and fire

The image of waters recalls the crossing of the Red Sea and the Jordan, when God made a way through for his people. Floods in the Bible often stand for overwhelming danger. The promise about fire recalls the story in Daniel 3, where three young men were thrown into a blazing furnace and a fourth figure appeared with them. They walked out unburned.

Verse 4 continues: “Since you are precious and honoured in my sight, and because I love you”. God’s protection flows from his love. Many people today face their own waters: illness, debt, grief, unemployment, family conflict. Isaiah 43 does not deny them. It promises God’s company in them.

A new thing and a prayer

Write down the “waters” you are facing. Next to each one, write the words “I will be with you”. Read them aloud each morning this week. Later in the chapter, God says, “See, I am doing a new thing!” (Isaiah 43:19). The promise of presence leads to a promise of renewal. Lord, you have called me by name and I am yours. When I pass through deep waters and fire, remind me that you are with me. Help me trust your love when I am afraid. Amen.