Oftentimes the Only Way is Through

Isn't it wonderful when God supernaturally delivers us from hardship? Gives us a miracle of faith? A giant problem we've had suddenly disappears?

Supernatural delivery - the painless way through a life's circumstance - may seem like the "best" or "easiest" way to deal with adversity. But I've discovered that most of the time, God wants us to go through the problem. The water. The fire.

Not over it. Nor under or around. But through.

It's what Isaiah 43:2 clearly teaches, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you."

Did you notice the "when" in this Scripture? Not if, when. As Christ followers, we are guaranteed trouble. It's part of the cost of following Christ: "In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33b).

Yes, we will face adversity, but God has promised to be with us when we go through problems. And his grace is enough to help us get through them when they arise (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Yes, we should thank God for supernatural miracles!

We should also thank him for his grace in our storms to go through them.