Out or Through? What is God doing?

Out or Through?
Pastor Calvin Cook
September 25, 2025

I am asking the question this morning : Will God get me out of the mess that I am in or will God walk through it with me until I reach a better place?

While I think and pray on this thought, not only for myself but for others this scripture came to mind :
“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 (ESV)

Life has a way of placing us in situations we never imagined — brokenness, loss, conflict, regret, or circumstances beyond our control. In those moments, we often ask: Will God rescue me out of this mess, or is He calling me to walk through it with Him by my side?

The truth is, God works in both ways. Sometimes He miraculously delivers us, parting the waters like He did for Israel at the Red Sea. Other times, He doesn’t remove the storm but gives us strength and presence to endure it, like Jesus calming the fears of His disciples in the boat (Mark 4:35–41).

While thinking on this I think there is another question that we need to answer and answer it honestly. “What got us into this mess?” And once we are out of it “Will we return to it or avoid it?”
The promise of Isaiah 43 is not that we will avoid waters, rivers, or fire — but that God will be with us in the midst of them. His faithfulness is not measured by our escape from trials but by His presence through them.

Unfortunately, some of the false teaching that has happened – is that we should expect God to deliver us and when He does deliver us, sometimes repeatedly – We once again put a strain on our relationship with God by moving away or back to our old ways. This is the need for a better understanding of redemption which we will speak to at another time.

However, what if God’s greater work is not simply to get us out of the mess, but to shape us and reveal His glory through the mess? Like God did with Joseph – turning what was meant to harm into triumph and victory for God. (Genesis 50:20)

The hope, a word of encouragement that I want to share with you today is to not allow messes to label you or define you. You and I were both created for so much more. We are the beloved of God, created in God’s image, and God desires so much more for us.

Prayer
Lord, help me to trust You whether You deliver me out of trouble or walk me through it. Remind me that Your presence is enough, and that You never leave me nor forsake me. Teach me to see my trials as places where Your strength can be made perfect in my weakness. Amen.