What Does Isaiah 43:2 Mean?
We face many trials as human beings and they bring a lot of fear into our hearts. Sometimes we don’t know what to do, and the only place we can turn is to our heavenly Father.
God knows that in this world we will face many trials but throughout His Word, He has given us encouragement and comfort. One of the Bible verses that He uses to comfort us is Isaiah 43:2,
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze."
It’s normal to feel alone when all around you is falling apart and you see no hope of the end coming soon. With God, you can face any trial and overcome it because He gives you His power and strength.
He knows that trials can easily crush and destroy you if He does not intervene. Rest in the hope that God sees your situation and will help you.
1) Who Wrote Isaiah 43?
Isaiah 43 was written by the prophet Isaiah when He received prophetic messages from God (Isaiah 1:1). Isaiah wrote the words that God was speaking to Him and relayed them to the Isaelites the way God had spoken them.
God was comforting His people and reminding them that He was their redeemer, and would be with them just like He was when they left Egypt.
2) Breaking Down the Meaning of Isaiah 43:2
This Scripture talks about “when” and not “if” you pass through the waters, rivers, and fire.
These things will come but you have God’s assurance of deliverance and hope. Let us break down the meaning of Isaiah 43:2 so that we can understand it better.
A. “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;”
Life can take us through rough waters and we feel like we are drowning. It’s common to hear people say things like,
“I can barely keep my head above the water” or “I’m drowning in debt.”
When you go through many troubles, you can feel like you are drowning and cannot breathe. God’s promise is that when the waters threaten to drown you, He will be there to make sure they don’t.
He always has a way out because He wants to save your life.
King David once prayed, “Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck.”
Psalm 69:1
He was echoing what many of us feel when we find ourselves in situations we can’t manage. Remember that God will not leave or forsake you in your times of trouble.
God longs to lead you to quiet and still waters that will fill your heart with peace.
Turmoil, worry and fear only complicate your situation and leave you feeling worse. That is why God makes it a priority to give you peace in His quiet waters (Psalm 23:2).
B. “and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.”
It’s one thing to deal with water levels rising above your head, it’s another when you encounter rivers that want to sweep you away.
Some rivers flow with such force that they can sweep you away while you are still thinking that you can cross them safely.
The apostle Paul once reported that he was in danger from rivers meaning that he almost drowned but survived (2 Corinthians 11:26).
There are situations in your life that feel like mighty rivers that are threatening to sweep you away.
It is times like those that God promises that the rivers will not sweep over you. He is watching you closely to make sure that you get to the other side safely.
When you follow God’s leading, He will cross the river with you and ensure your safety.
C. “When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
Have you, or are you going through a situation that is so hot and you feel like it’s burning you?
On many occasions we feel like we are going through a fire and have no hope of coming out alive. That is when God comes with His comforting words that you will not burn or be set ablaze.
The best example we have of going through the fire is the story of three Hebrew men, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.
These three men were put in a furnace, seven times hotter, because of refusing to worship an idol set up by Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon.
The king had them thrown into the furnace but instead of burning, he noticed there were four people in the furnace.
He was perplexed and noted that the fourth one looked like the Son of God (Daniel 3:25).
Nebuchadnezzar had recognized the divine presence of Jesus in the furnace. This means that God is always with us during the blazing moments in life.
💙 Decorate your home and remember that god is with you even in the most trouble times with this beautiful Painting of Isaiah 43:2
3) Conclusion
Isaiah 43:2 is an encouragement to every Christian today that God will be with you during your trying times and hard seasons. You may think He is not there but He always is, like He says in His Word.
Trust in God’s presence every day of your life and rest in His comforting arms when you don’t know what to do or say. He will deliver you from the waters, rivers, and fires of life that want to take away your peace and joy.
As with all bible verses, it's helpful to read individual verses within the context of others. Reading a study guide on the book of Isaiah is recommended to further your insight and wisdom of this verse.
As you meditate on this Scripture, ask God to give you a revelation of His presence in your current situation.
Read next: What does Proverbs 16:9 mean? "A man's heart devised his way: but the Lord directed his steps". One of the most commonly used passages in biblical studies is Proverbs 16:9. What is its meaning ? How important is it ?
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Johanna on
Thanks be to God for showing me my struggles an to know an trust His Promises that no matter what we are going through we are not alone Jesus is there to lead us through ALL.
Thanks so much for your encouraging Words of God. I am encouraged an thank you for your message from God’s Word.
Johanna -
Andrea on
Thank you, for this message and how you broke it down to get understanding, keep up the goodness of God, to use you..God Bless you 🙏
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Charlene Anders on
Thank you for posting this message. It has giving me the comfort I need and I also shared it with my daughter! God bless you and all you do! You’re making a difference in this sometimes dark world!! God is definitely using you!!
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Catherine Efiok on
It’s so inspiring. It has broaden my knowledge in God’s word. More grace.
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Gregory on
Despite what others say about Isaiah 43:1-2 I look at it more in literal terms.
They believed in a flat earth and a glass dome. They knew then that the heavens above the dome and under His throne was filled with water, as a sea. That’s what gives our sky the color blue. God opened specific windows to flood the earth. Now He gives us rainbows that are curved like the dome.
When we die we will pass thru many waters, and the river of life, and not be swept away. We will go thru a fire to burn away all chaff and not be singed. This is what I believe it means.
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Glory Roddy on
To the lordsguidance.com admin, Thanks for the informative and well-written post!
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Richard Lubega on
Iam blessed by your message
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Seth Gideon on
Great word. And I’m blessed
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Pastor Kiran Joseph on
Very encouraging message
Really blessed Madam
Thank you very much
Iam indian Pastor so many trials we face like water,river and fire please pray for my family and my ministry.
Thank you very much. -
Barr Buton on
Great Message Thank You
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Hikeara on
I’m going through hard times I wanna get closer to god
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Joseph John on
I am truly blessed by the verses in Isaiah 43:2
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TYNA CLARK on
The Conclusion Of Isaiah 43:2 Blessed Me Immensely, It Enlighten My Understanding As Well As Brought Me Comfort To My Soul…., Thanks So Much Now I’m Just Believing God For Revelation Concerning My Current Situation.
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Shelley on
I still believe that there’s more goodness in the world than bad. It’s our choice were we want to put our thoughts and energy. Keep up the great work and thank you for sharing the word!!
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Anne Sikiri on
Thank you for writing wonderful encouraging texts message .Giving life and hope to my own personal life situations which I am facing through life in marriage and my walk with God .
God Bless you for the great Gospel commission you are spreading through the globe . -
Joanah Kanyesigye on
Seriously. Been in a situation where I have been asking my self does God really exists.. but after reading this scripture. My soul is now fresh God bless you dear
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Craig VAN DER ROSS on
Im so blessed by these words….
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Patience Boadu-Darko on
Wonderful and meaningful explanation of scripture.I’m pondering over a meaningless situation in my life,woke up to this scripture and read your explanation.
What a wonderful thing to do in your spare time.
Thank you! -
Pat Stokes on
Thank you that was so encouraging!
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Mary Richards on
I just came across your messages and I began reading and I felt so overcome with happiness I really enjoy them I appreciate you very much for doing these things and for being so helpful to others
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Natoka on
Thanks for your encouragement, am going through difficult moment. I’ve alot of debts. Please pray for me
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Roster Chambale on
Thank you for the wonderful sermon
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Agnes Simon on
LORD GOD JESUS CHRIST NAZARENE BLESS all of us . THANK YOU LORD JESUS CHRIST FOR BEING WITH us always we LOVE YOU LORD JESUS AMEN 🌹🙏
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Lynda on
Thank you for your comforting words reminding us of God’s presence. I am going through a difficult time. A note to Agnes Owiye who wrote above. I will also pray for you. I understand what you are feeling.. just wanted to let you know someone is thinking of you during your time of trouble.
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Agnes Owiye on
Thank you for the word of encouragement pray for me am going through a lot am praying,fasting serving the interests of God’s kingdom but nothing is working I feel like giving up
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Shobana Ragavan on
Dear Kayla
Reading through your notes, really makes it easy to understand the scriptures.
Thank you for simplifying the WordYours in Christ
Shobana -
Juliett on
Thank you for these bible verses it has strengthen me please pray for me and my family God bless you 🙏🙌
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Ewurum Chinasa Ejike on
Am a man with full compassion of God’s word and wants to have an intimate encounter with him that will bring me closer to him.
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Serafin Samonte on
Thank you Kayla Moore
you are a gift from God
you’re writing is a great inspiration To my ministry in evening prayer and group discussion .. the blessing of the Lord be upon you .. -
joseph parker on
Hi Kayla,
I would love for you to consider writing for my publication called The Prestige Woman. (www.theprestigewoman.com). I was so blessed by your words. It made my day! JP -
Leisa Couch on
While reading my devotions this morning, I was led to this scripture and reminded of GOD’S goodness in past events that encourage me in my trials today!
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Bruce Morris on
It bless me knowing god is with me and loves me 😊
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Rosario Czapla on
Oh how encouraging, my trails feel overwhelming, and at times I feel very alone but I also know that my Lord and Savior is with me always.
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Thank you Jesus 😭 Am highly blessed! Before I opened my Bible, I asked God to show me where to study in the Bible and he gave me this verse. Thank you Jesus for this assurance. on
Thank you Jesus
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David Smith on
I’m from Mississippi and I’m just now stepping I got to gods way and he is helping me more and more every day and thankful for Jesus to show me the right way
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Catherine Patterson on
Thank you for encouraging words of God this word has encouraged my soul at 2:55 am in the morning our building has gone through a natural flood from the storm Ida, and I was thinking about that, and I said God thank you the building is still there, enen tho it needs lot of work, and i pray that God will send help to rebuild the walls of the natural church as he continue to keep our spiritual church intact.and again thank you and pray for our church.
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Dorcas Boahndao on
Amen and amen! Blessings be to God for such insight on His Word.
I am highly blessed. -
Henry M. Romo on
In these trying times that ALL OF US…YOU, WE…ALL OF US have been living, GOD’s word is true yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Today’s trials, set-backs, failures, tears, worries, concerns, defeats as well as our many victories, joy, peace, advances, confidence, tenacity, trust, laughter and such are not less than the two sides of a coin. We of course are akin to that coin and God almighty decides which side of the coin needs polishing at any given moment. We are blessed, saved, and precious. Bought and paid for with the precious blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We who were far away without faith and without hope have been adopted and brought into God’s household.
When we find ourselves amidst torrential rains having trouble holding our head up high above the waters God is true to his word. AND… I know you know it too. But, it’s a God given blessing to share the same thoughts and sentiments with so many of God’s people out there. May our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ bless each and every one of you.
PS let’s remember… we don’t need a snorkel… we need the living Word. -
Rochelle on
Thank you Jesus for those words.
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Linda Holt on
Isa. 43: 2. Was such an inspiration to my life. Ive always known that God is with me because He has shown up every time I have gone through the waters, rivers, and the fires of life that not only wanted to take away my peace and joy but literally take my life. God has always shown up and walked with me and brought me out through it all. He is so faithful to do what He has said. Thank you for giving me a new and better understanding of Isaiah 43:2. May Gods blessings and favor be with you in all your future endeavors.
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Anna Harley-James on
Ms. Kayla Moore God Bless you and thanks for the encouraging word of God. Daily I am standing on PSALMS 91. From verse 14 it reference me
to ISAIAH 43:2. I am Believing God for A Supernature Miracle! Yes! I will meditate on ISAIAH 43:2. I will ask God to give me a Revelation of His Presence in my current Situation. Thank you I am encouraged.
I Pray that God’s Anointed will rest upon you Always. -
Amelia Macias on
The Lord instilled this verse in my heart as my whole family were passing thru the fiery fire of COVID. I desperately hung on to Psalm 91 and prayed for my family. Today we are free of the turbulence of COVID!!! Isaiah 42:3 has become dear to me and the Lord installed in my heart to present it to my women’s group at church. Thank you so much for your insight and for the great testimonies written here. They are so inspiring as we all go through so many battles and trials in this world. But soon we shall wear the crown if recompense.
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Fikile Matukane on
Kyla thank you very much this message was so inspiring it helps me I’m in South Africa
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Delores White on
Isaiah 43:2 is one of my favorite scriptures that consoles me because I know that even though it was of Old Testament I am part of a royal priesthood, I belong to God, Jesus is my Savior therefore it applies to me. I was blessed this morning by your expounding on God’s word; such wonderful blessings to meditate on throughout the day and yes through life.
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Felimon Garrino Casuga on
This article fortified my faith in God that He will always, always carry me through throughout my life’s journey.
I’ve just lost my wife for 26 years and 7 months with breast cancer. We entrusted everything to God from our strength, perseverance, faith, to provision and a miracle for healing. God answered them all. My wife passed away after 2 years of battle… Shocked and sad, yet I understand that she’s now perfectly healed and immortalized. While, I’m left with all the deep waters, rushing rivers and blazing fire around, I’ve found comfort in Psalm 23 and Isaiah 43:2 to keep me on. God is with me. Been 21 years since I’ve been surviving with colon cancer, lost my wife in between is a valley so deep and dark. But, my God is supplying me the grace that I needed daily to showcase His goodness, mercy and love to the prying world around me. But with my Saviour and my Lord, I’m safe and secured until the day God calls me; home son.
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Betty Macfarlane on
Thank you so much Kayla for your beautiful and so comforting scriptures and their meaning. I was very Blessed by it. Gods word is such an Inspiration and encouraging word. My hubby and I will meditate on these verses, as we go through yet another lockdown here in Melbourne Australia. May God bless and comfort you my friend, in Jesus lovely and Holy name.
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Glynda Espinosa on
Thank you for this wonderful message, as I am going thru a difficult time these days. I hope that I can pass thru the deep waters with courage
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Donna Freeman on
This was truly a blessing and an encouragement to me and I thank God for His love and presence in every situation. He is truly faithful. God bless you and your family.
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Mag on
I found this article spoke to me for I have been feeling ill with a nagging headache for the past three years. I must say I believe in God for my complete restoration. Remember me when you pray please. If ever you read this message I would be grateful when you contact me. Blessings to you and your family
I have really been encouraged by this word after going down in life with my family with seven(7) dependents almost going without daily bread and dropping out of school without them understanding why, but God rescued me from the deep waters and flooded rivers that were drowning me. In Gods trust I can see, feel God’s presence and comfort. Glory to God and ever to remain in his word.