As I sat in a very special Pastoral and Anniversary Church Service this past Sunday. The Theme captured my attention, A Mighty Fortress and so appropriately, the scripture text was taken from Psalms 46 verse 7. My heart melted because during my devotional time up from within came the lyrics A Mighty Fortress is Our God! Abba, Father spoke these words to me, Deep Waters which reminded me of a traumatic experience as a young girl. I had gone out into deep waters with my friends and one of them being mischievous pushed and held me under the deep waters I fought to surface but could not. My whole life came before me, the deep waters were spinning like a funnel. Abba, Father interrupted my thoughts with His Word from the book of Isaiah chapter 43 verse 2 NLT Verse (2) 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.

Dear Reader at this precise moment you could be going through some deep waters and may find yourself wondering, where is Yahweh, the God who has called and chosen you for such a time as this? The rent is due and most of your bills are in arrears. The bank could be threatening foreclosure on your business and your car note. All around you seems to be crumbling but wait one moment. Let’s read the full text from Isaiah chapter 43 Verse (1) 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. Verse (2) 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. Verse (3) For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour. I gave Egypt as a ransom for your freedom; I gave Ethiopia and Seba in your place. Verse (4) Others were given in exchange for you. I traded their lives for yours because you were precious to me. You are honoured, and I love you. Verse (5) Do not be afraid, for I am with you. I will gather you and your children from the east and west. Verse (6) I will say to the north and south, bring my sons and daughters back to Israel from the distant corners of the earth. Verse (7) Bring all who claim me as their God, for I have made them for my glory. It was I who created them. Take a moment to process the text! Now think about this fact. In this passage of scripture, the LORD was comforting His people, preparing them for the many trials that were ahead of them.

Today I encourage you as you face your fiery trials and go through deep waters do not fear because the LORD is there with you. While I sat in the special worship service and reflected on my traumatic encounter of walking into deep waters and being held under those waters until my life flashed before me. The deep waters became like a spiral and seemed to spin like a top. I lost consciousness and was awakened on the seashore. My response was to leap to my feet and run all the way home never to go near the sea again! However, could it be God is initiating your experiences and calling you to launch out into deep waters? Perhaps, God wants you to experience Him in a greater way and for you (me too) to trust Him in every aspect of your life? In the Gospel of Luke chapter 5 MSG Jesus gave a command to Simon to push out into deep waters and instructed the fishermen to let done their nets for a catch of fish. Listen, Simon protested and he told Jesus that they had been fishing all night and had caught nothing but I am so glad he obeyed. You may not be walking through anything mentioned but be it known to you, God is preparing you for what is coming. You, who are experiencing overwhelming, mind bulging things. Abba, Father is calling you into deep waters. Let’s read what happened when Simon obeyed the call to push out into deep waters in verses 5 to 7 of Luke chapter 5 “ Simon said, ‘ Master, we’ve been fishing hard all night and haven’t caught even a minnow. But if you say so, I’ll let out the nets.” It was no sooner said than done – a huge haul of fish, straining the nets past capacity. They waved to their partners in the other boat to come to help them. They filled both boats, nearly swamping them with the catch. The question: Will you and I answer the call to go into deep waters to win souls for Jesus Christ? Although terrified of going into the sea, I have answered the call and have since ventured into deep waters. Jehovah Rapha is a Healer and He has delivered and kept me alive in deep waters!