“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; the flames will not set you ablaze.” Isaiah 43:2.

It would not be an exaggeration to say that the road we traveled in 2020 was filled with potholes, unexpected twists and turns, and detours. With the start of the new year, many elements of the journey remain the same with the promise that the voyage will soon become easier.

In our passage from the book of Isaiah today, God is preparing his people for a journey. For the Israelites, this was a specific journey; but what does this verse speak to us today?

Mamas, there are a few things I want to illustrate in our featured verse. Most likely, the journey you are on in your own life will not include walking through high water, a river, or a fire.

However, it is likely that as we maneuver through this next season, we may go through high waters of despair and hopelessness, rivers of sadness and grief, and the fire of pain and sickness.

Also, take note of the language:

• WHEN you pass through the waters…
• WHEN you pass through the rivers…
• WHEN you walk through the fire…

What is the common theme? God is showing us that it is not IF but WHEN.

This passage is a warning and a promise. Our Father is telling us that we will go through some really hard circumstances, but the promise is:

• we will NOT be overwhelmed
• we will NOT be burned
• we will NOT be consumed

My sweet sisters, as we anticipate leaving one year behind and starting a new year and a new journey, let us hold fast to these promises from God. You may get wet from treading through some deep waters in 2021. You may smell like smoke as you walk through a fire that you didn’t expect.

But God is with you through it all.

He will NEVER leave you or forsake you.

So, let the journey begin…

Praying blessings over you and your families this new year,

Susie and the Help Club for Moms Team

For more information about Susie’s ministry, Between the Gardens, you can follow her website at susieoneal.org.

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Susie O'Neal

Hello! My name is Susie. I have been married to my best friend, Andy, for twenty-five years, and we have two beautiful daughters who are twenty-four and twenty-one. I live in Cleveland, Ohio, where I work full-time as a writer and proofreader at a textbook company. I am the creator and writer of Between the Gardens Ministries, LLC., where I am passionate about teaching and encouraging believers through the truth of God's Word through online evangelism. I am blessed to be a part of this wonderful community, and I pray I can help mentor and inspire mothers of all ages and stages.

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