May 28, 2021: Peace in Difficulty

“But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and He that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour” (Isa. 43:1–3, KJV).

It was 1991, and I had just given birth to my daughter. The doctor came in to give me sad news: “You have cancer.” I felt like my whole life was coming to an end. I was about to ask the doctor how much time I had, when I heard the voice of the Holy Spirit whisper, “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength” (Jer. 17:5, ESV). Then He said, “Even the hairs on your head are all numbered” (Luke 12:7, ESV), and I thought, This is the word of God. The doctor asked, “Is something wrong?” I replied, “No, nothing. Let’s proceed with surgery.”

The surgery was in a week; I was nervous and could not process the news. But when I woke up on the day of the surgery, I talked to God, and He answered me.

I opened my devotional, and the verse for that day was Isaiah 43:1–3. This promise gave me security and strength, and made me see that my case was not a matter of life or death, but a trial from which I would emerge victorious.

Thank You, Lord, for being with me in difficult times. I praise You! Amen.

Saylis V. Fuentes is the pastor of the Lorton Spanish church in Virginia.