My Protector

by Lindsay Greim 

“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.” –Isaiah 43:2

The pandemic shutdown was especially hard for me. I felt like my family was falling apart, and I couldn’t really leave my house because the places I usually went were completely shut down. I felt like I was stuck in a horrible place and couldn’t get out. Luckily for me, this was around the time when Confirmation was starting back up again. When I was given the assignment to choose a verse that would be my life verse (as part of my Confirmation experience), Isaiah 43:2 reminded me of all I had been through. The promise given by God in this verse resonated deeply within me and expressed what I know about God the Father. 

I have known God my whole life, but I’ve always felt like I needed to be in control of things, so I never let myself lean fully on Him. The things we learned in Confirmation helped me realize that it was okay to let my guard down and lean on God. I could let Him protect me when I felt like it was too hard for me to do so myself. Isaiah describes what the Lord does for me when I struggle every single day—He is always there walking with me, protecting me from the fire and rough waters that life takes me through.

In addition, when I was going through a hard time in my life, I realized that God is my true Father. He has taught me to turn the hurtful feelings I’ve held toward someone in my life into forgiveness. Jesus taught me to show others mercy and give forgiveness in the way He does with me after every sin I commit. In my relationship with Jesus, I found a friend. I found someone I can talk to about anything because He already understands how I feel. One of my favorite days of Confirmation class was the day that we had a “walk on the beach with God.” This was one of the most relationship-changing moments in my life with Jesus and with God. We read a poem that explained how God is always there even if we can’t see it in the moment, and even when we can’t see Him at work in our lives He is still working and helping us get back to Him. 

Now I can see God walking with me every day, helping me in every situation even when it may be difficult. He protects and guides me through the worst times of my life, and I trust in that promise especially in those times when I cannot see Him at work. This is His promise to me and I know He always keeps His promises. 

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for being there for me in my times of need and protecting me from the bad and sinful things in my life. Even when I shut You out and ignore what You have provided for me, You never leave my side and I know that I can come to You in any time of need. In Jesus’ name, Amen.