“Karen’s Notes!
Insights from a Glory-Bound Lady”

Selected Notes
Volume 8 Number 26 “When the Waters Are Deep”

Post #374 June 25, 2025

Michael’s opening thought. In nearly fifty-five years of ministry, I have not only experienced difficult times that feel like deep waters, I have also walked through these situations with many, many dear folks. No doubt you have been through deep waters of difficulty and hardship as well. Karen beautifully writes about this in her Bible study journal.

Let me take you to one of her favorite passages, and then I’ll share her notes with you for today. “But now thus says the LORD, that created you, O Jacob, and He that formed you, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you…” (Isaiah 43:1-2). “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).

Karen wrote: When you think of God’s servants as portrayed in Scripture, does the Apostle Paul come to the forefront? He does with me.

What a remarkable leader. Why was his leadership so remarkable? I believe it was because it was built upon Christ and Christ alone. He went through such hard times (2 Corinthians 11:24-28). He writes from prison to the church at Philippi, “But I would ye should understand brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel” (Philippians 1:12). It is Christ and Christ alone when he wrote, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).

Christ has taken me through some deep waters. Those times of going through the Refiner’s fire in our lives can be discouraging, frightening, and sometimes they feel like they are never ending. There are only two ways to come through these experiences. We will either be bitter or better.

Michael’s observation: You won’t believe this. But after reading her notes in her Bible study journal, I leafed through some of her seminar notes and discovered that in one particular seminar, she concluded with Isaiah 41:10. She mentioned that even in unpleasant and difficult situations, the Lord is with His people, helping and holding them. So you see, friends, you and I cannot avoid the deep waters. We will come out either bitter or better. May we seek His help and respond in faith when times are hard.