I WILL BE WITH YOU

I WILL BE WITH YOU

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Isaiah 43:2

Key Verse: “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” — Isaiah 43:2

Supporting Texts: Isaiah 41:10; Psalm 23:4; Joshua 1:9; Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5

Description: A revelation of God’s abiding presence that guarantees protection, comfort, and victory in every season of life.

INTRODUCTION:
The promise “I will be with you” is one of the most profound assurances God gives to His people. It is not a temporary comfort or a casual statement; it is a covenant commitment from the eternal God to walk with us through every condition of life. From the beginning of Scripture to the end, God consistently assures His people that His presence is their greatest advantage.

Life will always present deep waters, fiery trials, and dark valleys. These seasons are part of human existence, but the presence of God transforms how we experience them. What overwhelms others will not overwhelm the one who carries God’s presence. What destroys others will only refine and strengthen the believer who walks with God.

In this study, we shall understand how the presence of God sustains us, strengthens us, and secures us. We shall learn how His nearness guarantees that no situation, no matter how threatening, can overpower the child of God.

1. GOD’S PRESENCE IN THE WATERS GIVES DIVINE PROTECTION
Before going further, we must understand that the “waters” represent overwhelming challenges; moments that threaten to swallow a person emotionally, spiritually, or physically. Yet God assures that these waters cannot drown His children because His presence becomes their defence.

a) Waters Symbolise Overwhelming Situations — Psalm 69:1. Waters in Scripture often represent conditions that seem uncontrollable. When a believer faces situations that appear beyond human ability, God promises to stand as the sustaining force that keeps them from being overpowered.

b) God Promises Not Escape from Waters, but Victory Through Them — Psalm 124:2-5. God does not always remove the waters, but He ensures they do not consume His children. His presence becomes a shield that prevents the enemy from triumphing over them.

c) His Presence Raises a Standard Against Every Flood — Isaiah 59:19. When the enemy rises like a flood, God's Spirit lifts a divine barrier that the enemy cannot cross. This makes the believer untouchable in seasons of spiritual or physical turbulence.

d) Waters Will Rise but Cannot Destroy You — 1 Corinthians 10:13. Even when challenges intensify, God always provides a way of escape. His presence ensures limits are placed on every trial so that it cannot destroy the believer.

Biblical Example: Noah faced a flood that wiped out the world, but God preserved him and his family through His covenant presence (Genesis 6:18; 7:1).

2. GOD’S PRESENCE IN THE FIRE PRODUCES PRESERVATION AND PROMOTION
Fire symbolises trials, persecutions, and circumstances that seek to break or consume a person. Yet in the fire, God reveals His glory most profoundly and turns affliction into advancement.

a) Fire Represents Intense Trials — 1 Peter 4:12. Believers should not be surprised when fiery trials arise. These moments are often designed to strengthen character and deepen faith in God.

b) God Controls the Intensity of the Fire — Malachi 3:3. Like a refiner, God supervises every trial. He ensures that the fire only purifies and does not destroy. His presence limits every attack.

c) Fire Becomes a Place of Divine Manifestation — Psalm 66:12. God often reveals His power most clearly in seasons of affliction. What was meant to break you becomes a platform for God’s glory.

d) Trials Prepare You for Greater Glory — Romans 8:18. Every fiery experience prepares the believer for greater honour, deeper spiritual authority, and higher realms of testimony.

Biblical Example: The three Hebrew boys were thrown into fire, but God entered the fire and turned their trial into a testimony of His unmatched power (Daniel 3:23-27).

3. GOD’S PRESENCE REMOVES FEAR AND RELEASES SUPERNATURAL STRENGTH
Fear loses its power when the presence of God becomes real. God’s presence brings inner strength, courage, and stability in moments that would naturally cause weakness or anxiety.

a) Fear Cannot Survive Where God’s Presence Dwells — Psalm 27:1. The presence of the Lord becomes a shield that drives away fear, intimidation, and anxiety, giving the believer inner boldness.

b) God Strengthens and Empowers the Weak — Isaiah 40:29-31. When strength fails, God renews the weary. His presence gives supernatural capacity to stand, fight, and win.

c) God Is a Present Help in Trouble — Psalm 46:1. In moments of helplessness, God stands close, offering immediate support, help, and intervention.

d) God Upholds with His Righteous Hand — Psalm 63:8. His hand guides, stabilises, and sustains His children so that they do not fall or fail in their journey.

Biblical Example: Gideon was fearful and hiding, but the Lord’s presence transformed him into a mighty warrior and national deliverer (Judges 6:12-16).

4. GOD’S PRESENCE IN THE VALLEY BRINGS COMFORT AND GUIDANCE
Valleys represent the dark seasons of life: loss, sorrow, uncertainty, or pain. Yet even there, God promises to be actively involved, guiding and comforting His children.

a) Valleys Represent Dark and Difficult Seasons — Psalm 34:19. Even the righteous face many afflictions, but the presence of God ensures deliverance from them all.

b) The Shadow of Death Cannot Harm the Believer — Job 12:22. A shadow cannot hurt anyone; God ensures that no real harm touches His children in the valley.

c) God’s Rod Protects from Invisible Dangers — Micah 7:8. His authority stands against every attack of the enemy, giving the believer victory over darkness.

d) His Staff Guides and Directs — Psalm 73:24. God’s presence ensures direction and clarity even when the journey seems confusing.

Biblical Example: David survived seasons of fierce battles, betrayals, and wilderness wanderings because God was with him continually (1 Samuel 23:14; Psalm 23:1-4).

CONCLUSION:
The promise “I will be with you” is God’s anchor for every believer. Waters will rise, fires will burn, and valleys will darken, but the child of God is never alone. The presence of the Almighty becomes the shield, strength, comfort, and victory of the righteous. No situation is permitted to overwhelm the one who walks with God.

Therefore, as you walk through life, let your confidence rest not in circumstances but in the God who never abandons His own. Stand firm, trust deeply, and move boldly, knowing that the Lord is with you always, even unto the end of the age.

PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, thank You for Your unfailing presence that goes with me through every water, fire, and valley of life.

2. Father, empower me to trust Your presence above every challenge that rises against me.

3. O God, arise and let every overwhelming situation in my life be subdued by Your mighty hand.

4. Lord, walk with me through every fire of affliction and let nothing consume my life or destiny.

5. My Father, strengthen me in my weak moments and renew my courage to face every battle.

6. O Lord, deliver me from every fear, anxiety, and intimidation that is trying to cripple my progress.

7. Father, let Your rod protect me from every unseen danger and let Your staff guide me daily.

8. Lord, make Your presence real and tangible in my family, ministry, and assignments.

9. Eternal God, raise a standard against every flood that the enemy has lifted against my destiny.

10. Father, lead me safely through every valley of darkness and bring me into Your place of victory and rest.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS
1. You shall walk through every deep water of life and not be overwhelmed, for the Lord shall uphold you with His mighty hand.

2. You shall pass through the fire and not be consumed, because God’s presence shall surround you like a shield of glory.

3. You shall rise above every challenge that was designed to drown your destiny, for the Lord Himself shall strengthen you.

4. You shall overcome every fear and intimidation, and supernatural courage shall fill your heart continually.

5. You shall enjoy divine guidance in every valley, and no darkness shall swallow your progress.

6. You shall experience God’s protection against every visible and invisible danger assigned against your life.

7. You shall advance with divine strength, and no affliction shall stop your journey or limit your destiny.

8. You shall see God manifest in your trials, turning your tears into testimonies and your battles into breakthroughs.

9. You shall walk in the confidence of God’s promised presence, and victory shall follow you in every season.

10. You shall testify that the Lord was with you, preserved you, defended you, and brought you into a place of honour and glory.