Called through the waters

Devotional TWO: When You Pass Through the Waters

Hearing the Shepherd's Voice

"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are Mine."
— Isaiah 43:1

The first morning on the Pine River began quietly. The rain had passed during the night. The river flowed gently beyond my campsite, and the forest slowly awakened around me. I had no agenda other than spending time with God.

As I picked up my Bible, I planned to read a few random Psalms. I expected to find comfort in David's songs of worship and prayer, usually found right in the middle of the Bible. Instead, my Bible opened to Isaiah 42 and 43, also near the middle.

For a moment I almost turned the pages and tried again since I had predetermined I wanted the Psalms.

Instead, I sensed a quiet prompting to stay where the Bible had opened and simply read. I'm thankful I did.

Isaiah 42 introduced me again to God's chosen Servant—the One in whom the Father delights. He would faithfully bring justice without crushing the bruised reed or extinguishing the faintly burning wick. What a beautiful picture of Jesus. He comes with both strength and gentleness, accomplishing His Father's purposes while caring tenderly for weary people like us.

Then came words I have read many times before but had never experienced quite this way.

"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are Mine. hen you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you."

Sitting beside the Pine River, those words seemed to slow everything around me.

I smiled. I was literally sitting beside a river.

But Isaiah was speaking about something far greater than the Pine River.

God was reminding Israel—and reminding me—that His presence is not dependent upon peaceful circumstances. Whether we walk through deep waters or fiery trials, He does not promise an easy path. He promises that we will never walk it alone.

As I continued reading, another verse settled deeply into my heart.

"Everyone who is called by My name, whom I created for My glory, whom I formed and made."

The wilderness has a way of stripping away titles, accomplishments, and distractions. Alone beside the river, none of those things mattered.

What mattered was knowing whose I was.

The same God who formed Israel still calls people by name.

The same Shepherd who spoke through Isaiah still speaks through His Word.

The same Savior who promised His presence beside ancient rivers continues to walk with His people today.