GOD IS STILL WITH YOU

Isaiah 43:2, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you."

I never tire of reading the story of Joseph. I think of how he was so cruelly treated by his brothers and sold as a slave. As a young teenager, without warning, he was ripped away from his beloved father, his home and his family which he loved. He was sold to Potiphar, the captain of Pharaoh's guard. Even though this must have been devastating to this young man, the Bible tells us in Genesis 39:3 that "the Lord with him, so that he prospered in all that he undertook." (Knox)

Because you are going through a difficult time, or because you suddenly land up in a terrible trauma does not mean that God is not with you. In fact, he may be more with you than you realize!

Joseph's situation became worse. Because of the false witness of Potiphar's wife, Joseph, even though totally innocent, was thrown into prison. How much more could go wrong with his life? But the amazing thing is that the Bible states in Genesis 39:21, ".but the Lord with still with him." (Knox) What an amazing Scripture. Even in prison, God was still with Joseph.

Do you think that your situation could not get any worse? Do you feel it is more than you can bear? Dear one, please remember that God is still with you. God is not only with you when everything is going fine. He is with you in the worst situation. He will never leave you or forsake you. And He knows what He is doing. He is working out things in your life far beyond what you can see. There must have been many times when Joseph felt that he was forgotten, not only by his family and everyone else, but even by God. But God was working. He was preparing Joseph for his destiny and for the time when He would bless him. He was working everything out for good, not only for his good, but for the blessing of his whole family-and the nation.

I love reading of the emotionally charged meeting when Joseph reunites with his brothers. He does not accuse them for their wicked deed. Instead, He acknowledges that God was in it all-"God sent me before you to preserve posterity for you in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So it was not you who sent me here, but God." (Genesis 45:7-8) Wow! Joseph acknowledges that God was the instigator of all his hardships and years of loneliness and neglect.

Later, when Joseph is ruling Egypt and his father dies, his brothers fear that at last he will bring retribution upon them for their wickedness. Instead, Joseph says, "But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. Now therefore, do not be afraid: I will provide for you and your little ones. And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them." (Genesis 50:20-21) God meant if for good!

Instead of groveling in your problems realize that God is still with you. He is working everything out for your good, and maybe for the good of many others. I know that you cannot see it at this time. Nor could Joseph. But do not look at what you can see. Trust in God and thank Him that He is with you.

I hear many women saying, "I'm going through deep waters please help me!" or "I am going through the fire. It is so terrible." This is the wrong confession. Read again the wonderful promise in Isaiah 43:2. God says that when you go through the waters, "I will be with you." He does not say that you will not go through the waters, but that He will be with you in them.

Change your confession. When you are going through the deep waters, cry out, "Thank you, Lord that you are with me. I thank you that I will not drown. I cannot drown because you are with me."

When you are going through the fiery trial, change your confession to, "I will not be burned, because you are with me. Thank you for your mighty presence with me."

Will you believe God's precious promises? Even in the most difficult situation you will experience God's presence as you acknowledge that He is with you.