The Flame Shall Not Consume You

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.”
— Isaiah 43:2

This week, while I sat at a local coffee shop with a friend, a gentleman behind us appeared to be struggling. His wife — or maybe she was just a friend — was positioned directly in front of him, so it took us a moment to understand what was happening. Soon, everyone nearby began shifting in their chairs. It was clear he was unable to breathe.

We assumed he was choking, but there was no food in front of him.

As someone hurried to the counter to alert the staff, the woman in front of him began to speak. She rubbed his back, ever so calmly, and in the gentlest manner said, “It’s ok. You’re ok. Just look at me.”

While those around him felt the rise of panic, she did not. Her voice was steady. Her presence unshaken. I found myself reacting not to his fear, but to her calm. She reassured him the moment would pass — and it did.

When it was over, I could see it clearly on his face: he had been terrified. The kind of fear you and I would feel if we believed our life was in danger. And yet, in the middle of it, calm prevailed.

In moments of panic, it is easy to feel as though God has forgotten us. Whether it’s an anxious episode or something more extreme, our fears can overpower rational thought. Even more than that, they can seem to outweigh our faith.

But what unfolded in that coffee shop felt like a living illustration of something deeper.

The helper did not tell him to “calm down.” She simply positioned herself in front of him and said, “Look at me.”

Isn’t that what we all long for in our own moments of uncertainty? Someone steady. Someone near. Someone who assures us that we will be ok.

Oh friends, we have that.

We have that in the Spirit sent to us in love and mercy — our Helper. The One who does not always remove the episode immediately, but who remains steadfast in the midst of it.

Through the prophet Isaiah, God reminds us:

“Fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

If you are there today, turn your eyes towards Jesus. And know that His love covers all fears and all episodes of panic and beyond. It’s ok. You’re ok. Just look at Him.

Reflection: What in your life feels like a panic episode right now? Where might God be placing helpers in your path? Where might He be directing you to look His way and trust?