Day 1: John Mezzasalma
Isaiah 43:2–3 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”
2025 has been a year filled with uncertainty, change, and challenges that have stretched me in ways I never anticipated. Career-altering events brought ongoing stress and anxiety that lingered far longer than I expected. Demanding work weeks—often spilling into weekends, holidays, and vacation days—combined with weekends packed with activities for our four young kids, left me with little time to recharge. There have been many moments when I’ve felt overwhelmed, carrying a weight that’s been much harder to shake than in the past.
Yet, in the midst of this, God’s Word reminds me of His presence: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.” Notice it doesn’t say IF you pass through the waters or IF you walk through the fire—it says WHEN. Trials are inevitable, but so is His presence. And verse 3 gives the reason for this promise: “For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” His identity guarantees His faithfulness. He doesn’t promise to remove the fire or the flood, but He promises that they will not consume us. His presence is our protection, and His character is our confidence.
In seasons of stress and uncertainty, it’s easy to lose sight of how God has carried us before. Looking back, I can see moments where God provided strength, opened doors, and gave peace even when circumstances felt overwhelming. Remembering His past faithfulness gives me confidence for the future. If He has carried me this far, He will not stop now.
In 1 Samuel 7:12, after God gave Israel victory over the Philistines, Samuel set up a stone and named it Ebenezer, saying: “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” The word Ebenezer literally means “stone of help.” It was a physical reminder of God’s faithfulness—a marker that said, God showed up here.
Why is this powerful? Because when life feels overwhelming, our minds often forget what our hearts know: God has been faithful before. Raising an Ebenezer gives us comfort as we remember God’s faithfulness in the past and gives us confidence He will be faithful in the future.
During this season I’ve found myself singing these lyrics to myself declaring it until I believe it fully:
“And I've still got joy in chaos, I've got peace that makes no sense
And I won't be going under, I'm not held by my own strength
'Cause I build my life on Jesus, He's never let me down
He's faithful through every season, so why would He fail now?”
Prayer
Lord, thank You for Your promise to be with me in the waters and the fire. Thank You for sustaining me through a demanding year and for the reminder that I am never alone. Help me to raise my Ebenezer today—to remember Your faithfulness and trust that You will continue to guide me. Give me peace that surpasses understanding and strength for the days ahead. Amen.
2025 has been a year filled with uncertainty, change, and challenges that have stretched me in ways I never anticipated. Career-altering events brought ongoing stress and anxiety that lingered far longer than I expected. Demanding work weeks—often spilling into weekends, holidays, and vacation days—combined with weekends packed with activities for our four young kids, left me with little time to recharge. There have been many moments when I’ve felt overwhelmed, carrying a weight that’s been much harder to shake than in the past.
Yet, in the midst of this, God’s Word reminds me of His presence: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.” Notice it doesn’t say IF you pass through the waters or IF you walk through the fire—it says WHEN. Trials are inevitable, but so is His presence. And verse 3 gives the reason for this promise: “For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” His identity guarantees His faithfulness. He doesn’t promise to remove the fire or the flood, but He promises that they will not consume us. His presence is our protection, and His character is our confidence.
In seasons of stress and uncertainty, it’s easy to lose sight of how God has carried us before. Looking back, I can see moments where God provided strength, opened doors, and gave peace even when circumstances felt overwhelming. Remembering His past faithfulness gives me confidence for the future. If He has carried me this far, He will not stop now.
In 1 Samuel 7:12, after God gave Israel victory over the Philistines, Samuel set up a stone and named it Ebenezer, saying: “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” The word Ebenezer literally means “stone of help.” It was a physical reminder of God’s faithfulness—a marker that said, God showed up here.
Why is this powerful? Because when life feels overwhelming, our minds often forget what our hearts know: God has been faithful before. Raising an Ebenezer gives us comfort as we remember God’s faithfulness in the past and gives us confidence He will be faithful in the future.
During this season I’ve found myself singing these lyrics to myself declaring it until I believe it fully:
“And I've still got joy in chaos, I've got peace that makes no sense
And I won't be going under, I'm not held by my own strength
'Cause I build my life on Jesus, He's never let me down
He's faithful through every season, so why would He fail now?”
Prayer
Lord, thank You for Your promise to be with me in the waters and the fire. Thank You for sustaining me through a demanding year and for the reminder that I am never alone. Help me to raise my Ebenezer today—to remember Your faithfulness and trust that You will continue to guide me. Give me peace that surpasses understanding and strength for the days ahead. Amen.
Posted in Boast in the Lord 2026
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