As the Waters Rise: Trusting God Through Persistent Trials

Have you ever experienced a deep hurt that just won’t go away? A wound that lingers - not for days or weeks - but for months, even years? Have you found yourself wondering, “Lord, what are You doing in this part of my life?” You see the brokenness… yet your heart still longs for redemption.

I’ve walked that road.

I know what it’s like to trust in God's promises and still feel the ache of sorrow. I believe in His Word - I cling to it. I know He prunes us so we can bear fruit. I know He’s faithful. And yet, there are days when my soul feels weary and my heart is burdened with sadness, confusion, and hurt.

One morning, in the thick of this ongoing trial, I asked the Lord to speak before I opened His Word. He led me to Isaiah 43 - a passage I’ve often prayed over other women in times of trouble. But this time, it was for me.

As I read, the Spirit highlighted something unmistakable: water.

How many times had I read these verses without noticing how clearly God speaks through water? It struck me afresh - He had called me to start Still Waters, a ministry anchored in the imagery of Scripture’s water metaphors. And here He was, pouring His truth over me:

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.”Isaiah 43:2

“This is what the Lord says - he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters…”Isaiah 43:16

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”Isaiah 43:19

“I provide water in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen, the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise.”Isaiah 43:20–21

This wasn’t just comfort - it was confirmation. The very Scriptures that inspired the heart behind Still Waters were now sustaining me in my own personal trial.

God is so tender. So present. So good.

He doesn’t just call us to encourage others - He meets us in the same need. And He reminded me that I am not alone in this pain. He is with me in the deep waters. I will not drown. He is making a way. He will refresh my soul - even here, even now.

These promises are for you, too.

If you are walking through your own desert or treading water in a flood of emotion, I pray this encourages you today. Open Isaiah 43 and let His truth wash over your heart. Cling to His promises. He is near. He is kind. He is doing a new thing, even when you can’t see it yet.

Here’s a song a friend recently shared with me (at just the right moment - God’s timing always amazes me). I hope it blesses you and fills you with hope as you take one more step forward, trusting the One who walks with you through the waters.

With you in faith,

Crystal