A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . Living a CHRIST-like-life is favorable in the world-to-come, but threatening to this; yet, worth it all! "But now, thus says the LORD – WHO created you, O Jacob, WHO formed you, O Israel: Fear not, for I will redeemed you; I have singled you out by name, YOU ARE MINE. When you pass through water, I will be with you; through streams, they shall not overwhelm you. When you walk through fire, you shall not be scorched; through flame, it shall not burn you." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 43. 1 - 2 Tanakh, Nevi'im] This tremendous promise is essentially to be understood in a spiritual connotation - a deliverance through overflowing sorrows and fiery trials. However, the ETERNAL ONE has demonstrated HIS ability to fulfill the spiritual aspects of the promise by HIS miraculous literal fulfillment in the physical realm also. The crossing of the Red Sea by the Israelites is one literal example of safely passing through deep waters. Those "Three Fiery Israelites" - Hananiah (Shadrach), Mishael (Meshach) and Azariah (Abed- nego) were in Nebuchadnezzar's fiery furnace from where the MOST HIGH GOD delivered them from burning. This, after HE personally joined them in a sizzlingly glorious "victory march" through the flames. [see Daniel/Danyel 3. 25] As the three emerged untouched from the flames of the "furnace that was heated to excess," the king, the satraps, the prefects, the governors, and the royal companions were awe-struck when they "looked at those men, on whose bodies the fire had had no effect, the hair of whose heads had not been singed, whose shirts looked no different, to whom not even the odor of fire clung." [Daniel (Danyel) 3. 22, 27 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "The world that then existed perished, being flooded with water, but the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same WORD, are reserved for fire until the Day of Judgment and perdition of ungodly men." [2 Peter 3. 6 - 7] The whole world perished once, being flooded with water. But, "a few, that is, eight souls were saved through water." [1 Peter 3. 20] In Noah's Ark, the eight were carried safely away from the violent, sin-filled world. Furthermore, "the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up." [2 Peter 3. 10] However, all who trust in the saving blood of MESSIAH YESHUA will be "saved; yet so as through fire." [1 Corinthians 3. 15] In our firmly grounded confidence in the precious LORD JESUS, may we boast as did the psalmist: "YOU have tried us, O GOD, refining us as one refines silver. You have caught us in a net, caught us in trammels (restraints, chains) and laid afflictions on our loins. YOU have let men ride over us; we have endured FIRE and WATER, and You have brought us through to prosperity." [Psalms (Tehillym) 66. 10 - 12 Tanakh, Kethuvim] The MIGHTY Eternal GOD keeps us THROUGH the fires and waters not FROM them for our refining and HIS glory. These recorded accounts of the past and promises of the future assure us that Omnipotent ALL- LOVING GOD is able to deliver us through the deep, difficult waters and painful, burning trials of this immediate life. "That the trial of your faith…though it be tested by fire, may be found to praise, honour and glory at the appearing of Messiah Jesus." [1 Peter 1. 7] Whatever comes our way, whatever trials be our lot, we can trust in our REDEEMER & LORD, through it all. Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! When things around you appear dark and terrifying, hold on to the promises of LORD GOD, HE is in complete control. Timeless words: "Nahamu, Nahamu Ami -- Comfort, oh comfort my people."