Testing

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.

Isaiah 43:2

AS SIX-YEAR-OLD KATIE stood on the sidelines preparing to play dodgeball, Janie looked down at her daughter and said, “But it’s not that hard, honey. Just go in the middle and try to avoid getting hit by the ball.”

“But I’m afraid,” Katie said. “I’m afraid that it will hurt me.”

“It’s a rubber ball,” Janie answered. “It’s soft, and it doesn’t hurt. Look, I’ll go get one.”

Even after Janie showed her the ball, Katie was unconvinced. “Okay,” her mom said, “let’s stand on the sidelines and watch, and you can see what happens. I’ll hold your hand the whole time.”

Katie eventually got the courage to join the game. But what was the key? Her mother’s concern and presence and assurances.

That’s precisely what God promises. He will be with you through every circumstance of life. When you know you’re not facing the problem alone, when you know that the awesome God of the universe is at your side, you become courageous. And you can face anything.