Just Passing Through

Getting stuck in traffic is something I have never heard anyone say they enjoy. Since being on time is important to me, I can become annoyed quickly when I get stuck in traffic. My husband is not bothered by delays because he believes that God has a purpose for them. When I feel myself becoming stressed about traffic, my husband is quick to remind me that it is only a temporary situation. He sees these delays as an opportunity to stop and praise the Lord. The truth is God is worthy of our praise regardless of what we are facing, even if it is just a temporary delay in traffic.

Sometimes it can feel like there is no end in sight when you are stuck in traffic or caught in construction, but the end always comes, doesn’t it? The same is true of difficulties, hardships, and trials. They are temporary and they have a beginning and an end. Even when it feels like there is no end in sight, that end will eventually come.  

Isaiah 43:1-2 is such a great reminder of this.  

But now, O Jacob, listen to the LORD who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. 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.” (NLT)

Read that again with me. When you go through deep waters… when you go through rivers of difficulty… when you walk through the fire of oppression. Those deep waters, rivers of difficulty, and fires of oppression are only temporary. Though it may seem like there is no end in sight, it is there! You are only passing through. I don’t know about you, but that is such a relief to me and that’s not even the best part.  

God tells us that we don’t have to be afraid when we go through these things because He has ransomed us, and He has called us by name. We are precious to Him, and He loves us. While difficulties are inevitable, God is faithful to walk with us through them. No matter what comes our way, God remains the same and He will take care of you. The Bible tells us repeatedly not to be afraid because the God of all creation is with us. He is on our side. He fights for us. He works all things for our good. These aren’t platitudes; this is biblical truth to hold onto.

The next time you are walking through a season of difficulty, remind yourself that it is only temporary, and that God is with you. Nothing is impossible for Him. You are not alone. You are just passing through. See it as an opportunity to stop and praise Him, because He is worthy of praise.

Father God, thank You for Your faithfulness. You always keep Your promises and You have said that You will never leave me or forsake me. When I go through seasons of difficulty, Lord, help me to look to You and to trust You as You lead me step-by-step through them. Help me to keep my eyes fixed on You and to know that You are with me. Even when it looks hopeless. You are my hope, and I will choose to trust You in those moments I am passing through. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. (Isaiah 43:19)

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Scripture is quoted from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.