Isaiah 43:2 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you. (NASB1995)

Many years ago when God was dealing with Ellen and I concerning His call on our lives, Ellen woke me in the middle of the night disturbed over a dream that she had. In the dream we were in the midst of an engulfing fire, and the Lord spoke in the dream that He would bring us through the fire. I immediately recognized this dreams connection to the above verse. At the time I didn’t know where I had read it, but I knew that God had placed it in His word. I didn’t know it then, but there would be many little brush fires in our marriage, but there was one “blazing fire” that we survived years ago only because God brought us through as we relied on that promise each in our own way.

As I think on that today, that time could possibly be compared in our marriage to what Jesus described as a time of Great Tribulation for His who will endure to the end.

Matthew 10:22 “You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved. (NASB1995)

His message is no different for us His bride today, as we face the encroachment of evil on our life as His bride in this world where we are to face many tribulations before His kingdom is to come on this earth. And just as Ellen and I were carried by our faith in Him through our personal fire; we His bride, who do trust Him completely, will endure to the end of this coming trial.

1 Peter 4:17 For [it is] time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if [it] [begins] with us first, what [will be] the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? (NASB1995)

Peter wrote this two thousand years ago, and if it were true then; then it must be even more true today as we prepare to receive our bridegroom.

Job 13:15 “Though He slay me, I will hope in Him. Nevertheless I will argue my ways before Him. 16 “This also will be my salvation, For a godless man may not come before His presence. (NASB1995)