The God Who Saves

2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and the rivers will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, and the flame will not burn you.3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, and your Savior. Isaiah 43:2-3

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you needed to be saved? Maybe you were lost in the dark, were caught in a strong current while swimming, suffered a serious injury, encountered dangerous weather, or found yourself in another situation beyond your ability to overcome on your own. In moments like these, having someone save you means the difference between danger and safety, and even life and death.

In December 2021, my hometown in Kentucky experienced a devastating tornado, the first in the town's history. The destruction was overwhelming. Homes and businesses were damaged or destroyed, and lives were turned upside down in a matter of minutes. Yet in the midst of the devastation, God's protection was evident. Although there was significant property damage, no one in our town lost their life or suffered major injuries. It was a miracle. Some people were even pulled from the rubble by first responders and neighbors who rushed in to help. Imagine the relief of being trapped with no way out, only to have someone reach in and save you. That kind of rescue fills one with gratitude, hope, and a renewed appreciation for life.

Throughout the Old Testament, we read stories in which God saved people: Noah and his family from the flood; Daniel from the Lion’s Den; Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the fiery furnace; Jonah from the belly of the whale; and David from Saul’s pursuit. In these and others from the Old Testament, salvation primarily refers to saving acts and deliverances from death. 

In Isaiah 43:1-4, the prophet Isaiah reminds us that our God is the God who saves us from the circumstances that threaten our lives. He is El Moshaah, the Hebrew name for the God who saves. When we go through rivers of difficulty or face fire of oppression, God will be our deliverer. El Moshaah is always plural, a good reminder that Old Testament salvation wasn’t a single event. God’s saving acts are unlimited. 

In 1 Samuel 16, the prophet Samuel anointed David with oil and announced that he would be the next king of Israel, even though Saul was still king. David spent many years running for his life from Saul and other enemies. David wrote Psalm 18 when God delivered him. In it, he describes how the Lord saved him from death. Here are some of the details in verses 3-6: “3 I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I was saved from my enemies. 4  The ropes of death were wrapped around me; the torrents of destruction terrified me. 5 The ropes of Sheol entangled me; the snares of death confronted me. 6 I called to the Lord in my distress, and I cried to my God for help. From his temple, he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears.”

In the New Testament, we see where God provided salvation from the punishment we deserve: eternal death and damnation. He sent Jesus to die on the cross so that we might be saved from our sins by the blood of Christ. This was a singular act that saved mankind! And it was a free gift! We simply have to believe and accept it. When we do, we are saved and sealed for everlasting life with God in heaven. We would all be doomed without a loving God who saves!

I gave my life to the Lord when I was eight years old. In that moment, God saved my soul, forgave my sin, and restored my relationship with Him. That is the greatest saving act that I will ever experience. But when I look back over my life, I can also see countless times when God graciously saved and protected me in other ways, and I am sure you can, too. A near miss on the highway that could have ended in tragedy. A decision that would have changed the course of your life for the worse. A health scare that turned out differently than expected.  A relationship that God lovingly closed the door on because He knew it wasn't His best for me. I am so thankful that God is the ultimate Savior, saving us not only from life's dangers but, most importantly, from the power and penalty of sin.

Call to Action

Think of a time when God protected you or saved you from danger.

Think of a time when God redirected you. 

Recall the time God saved you spiritually. 

Think of someone in your life who needs to hear about God’s salvation.  Will you share it with them?

Digging Deeper

Read these additional verses: 2 Samuel 22:17-20, Psalm 68:20, Psalm 72:12-14, Isaiah 12:2, Zephaniah 3:17, John 3:16-17, Acts 4:12, Acts 16:31, Romans 10:9-10, Ephesians 2:8-9, 1 John 5:11.

Prayer

God, thank You for protecting me from dangers time and time again. Thank You for saving me from my own sinful choices and selfish desires. Most of all, thank You for saving me from my sin and giving me new life through Jesus Christ. Help my life reflect the saving power of Your salvation, and give me the courage and compassion to share with others.

Copyright © 2026 Kyle Cravens