Posted on: 16th January 2025

“When you pass through the rivers they will not sweep over you
When you pass through the fire you will not be burned, the flame will not set you ablaze.” Isaiah 43v2

I’m sure many of us have thought or said at some time “I feel as though I’m really going through it” or perhaps more readily referred to someone else who is really “going through it”.

The above verse from Isaiah certainly refers to people experiencing challenging situations. What immediately comes to mind in a literal sense is recent news of those experiencing wildfires in California and floods in countries such as Spain plus 10 other countries in Europe in 2024. It is difficult to square these verses with such situations even for those with faith! Global warming resulting from greenhouse gases can provide a general explanation, but not easy to
just accept for those whose lives have been devastated.

Looking metaphorically, ‘passing through the rivers and the fires’ can be seen as a description of many tough situations that we all experience in our lives, at some point. These are unpredictable and unwelcome yet many have described them as important turning points that have changed them for the best and for others who they have been able to help. For some “going through it” continues with no end in sight, especially if struggling with an illness or challenging family situations.

At the start of 2025 I believe it is important to hold on to God’s promise that he made to Isaiah, even though we may have many questions. We cannot predict what 2025 will bring, but many of us can certainly recall times when we have experienced the truth of these words and as we have gone through such times we have experienced more than anything, God being with us as we have ‘passed through’.

This also brings to mind an old, Persian saying:

‘This too shall pass’
When things are bad, remember
It won’t always be this way
Take one day at a time
When things are good, remember
It won’t always be this way
Enjoy every great moment’

If you feel at the start of this New Year you are going through it, or concerned for others who are, especially those close to you and there does not seem to be an end in sight, it is good to be reminded that our lives are transitory. There will be an ultimate ‘passing through’. In the meantime there is much we can learn and do, as Psalm 84v6 states “As they pass through the valley of Baca (represents weeping), they make it a place of springs.” Whatever happens in 2025, may you ‘pass through’ finding and creating spiritual refreshment for yourself and others.

By Paul Lancaster, Hope for the Nations