“When thon passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee”—Isaiah 43:2.
HE who led Israel in safety through the Red Sea and the Jordan, and who walked with the three devoted Hebrew youths in the fiery furnace, is still the unfailing recourse of His troubled people in every hour of trial, no matter how severe the test. Faith can count on His sustaining grace and blessed companionship in each perplexity or apparent defeat or grave danger. Millions have tested and proven the faithfulness of His promise.
“Though the waters of affliction
And the waves of trouble roll
O’er my life’s most precious treasures,
They shall not o’erwhelm my soul.
Through the fiery furnace, ever
Walking by my Saviour’s side,
Fiercest flame can touch me never.
For secure in Him I hide.
Though temptation should assail me,
Still my soul is undismayed,
Naught in Heaven or earth can harm thee!
Jesus says, ‘Be not afraid.’
So my eyes are fixed on Jesus,
All my trust is in His love,
He has promised still to guide me.
Till I reach my home above.
Oh, Thou precious Friend of sinners!
Thou hast bought me for Thine own,
Lead through fire, or through the waters,
Only lead me to Thy throne.”