May 1, 2026 Devo

May 1st, 2026

Powerful Words from the Prophets
“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.” Isaiah 43:2 (NLT)
“The Rivers of Difficulty”

Let’s continue reflecting on this amazing passage of scripture today by taking a look at the second sentence. “When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.” As we talked about yesterday, God often seeks to give confidence in the future by referring to His work in the past. This part looks like a nod to Joshua and the people standing before the Jordan River. Do you remember that story?
The river was at flood stage. There was no chance of crossing it safely. Then God instructed Joshua to have the priests go first, carrying the Ark of the Covenant, which represented the presence of God. As the priests put their feet in the river, the waters held back. The priests stood on dry ground in the middle of the riverbed with the Ark until all of the people safely crossed.
But that was only the beginning of the difficulties they would face! On the other side of the river were huge armies and well-fortified cities. When the spies had been sent out some 40 years before, they trembled before the obstacles that awaited them. Now, here they were, approaching Jericho, a city with walls they could never climb over. The good news is, they didn’t have to! Following the instructions of God, they marched around those walls for seven days and then blasted their trumpets loud and clear. And the walls that couldn’t be climbed came crashing down. It would be the first of many victories over the difficulties they would face.
What’s YOUR river of difficulty that lies in front of you? Do you believe today that the same God who saw Joshua and his people through can get YOU through as well? What’s your “Jericho?” What is it that you’re facing that seems unconquerable? Perhaps it’s a habit or addiction you can’t break. Maybe it’s a fear you can’t seem to get past. Or maybe it’s just a really hard time you’re going through. No matter what you’re facing or what you’re up against, you and God can overcome! Take hold of the presence of God and trust in His power and provision. There’s no river of difficulty that He can’t get you across. He won’t let you drown. That’s God’s Word for you today.