Elizabeth George, Maesycwmmer

What a privilege it is to consider the precious promises of God that have so impacted my life over the years. To be sent to a desert island would be a trial in many ways but to go with the word of God anywhere is a blessing. I have chosen a few verses which have helped me through the darkest times in my life. Following Jesus does not necessarily mean that we will live in health, wealth and prosperity; He sometimes takes us to very dark places but He never leaves us alone – His rod and His staff comfort us.

Which verses would you take to the desert island?

But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and He that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine. 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 43:1-2

Without any difficulty at all I start with Isaiah 43:1-2. At the age of eighteen I was in deep depression which took me into hospital for treatment. All through my teens, Isaiah 43:2 deeply impacted me and that awful morning, as I prepared for hospital, there it was again; it was the verse on the calendar for that day. Then, as I packed my case to go, a card which I had forgotten was behind my wardrobe mirror dropped out and fell at my feet. It was the card given to me many years before at my baptism. Isaiah 43:1-2 was there again! This verse has followed me all my life and would follow me to the desert island too.

When I cry unto Thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me. In God will I praise His word: in the Lord will I praise His word. In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me. Psalm 56:9-11

Another precious few verses which strengthened us through these years are Psalm 56:9-11. When everything else seemed to be falling apart I staked my hope on this; come what may, He would bring us through.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

I wrote and rewrote this on paper and also in pottery making plaques to hang as a reminder to hold onto and He was faithful! The reason I kept writing this was because although to all outward observations everything was in free fall, yet I knew His word would never fail and the promise was all things work together for good.

And when they did mete it with an omer, he that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack; they gathered every man according to his eating. Exodus 16:18

Here is a verse which God graciously gave just after we were married and, unknown to us, God was kindly preparing us for years ahead when I was not going to be able to continue teaching. I was in school teaching a class about the Exodus and subsequently Gods provision for His people. As I read, it impacted on me greatly. Imagine our amazement when, that evening, having come home from school, we found our reading to be from 2 Corinthians 8:15, quoting and confirming that very verse! As the years have passed that precious promise has been proven to us time and again.

Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but Thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place. Psalm 66:12

He was with me through those valleys. I was weak and full of fear but He remained faithful and was to wonderfully bring me finally out of that terrible darkness some thirty years later. With that, it was this verse which He gave me. It leapt off the page to my heart and I knew it was true! All I could say was, ‘Amen’ and I worshipped Him Who had brought us safely through all.

Which Christian from the past would you like to find on the island for company?

The Puritan, Thomas Watson; it was reading his book on the Providence of God which began to bring me out of that darkness. Since then, I have found anything I've read of his is so clear and rooted in the Scriptures. I’m sure that he would certainly be able to answer any questions which arose on the island.

If not Thomas Watson, it would have to be Hudson Taylor. His biography was one of the earliest and best I’d read as a Christian. I know that if he could survive in China, he’d probably have good practical skills to share and survive on the island.

Which song would you take to the island?

The hymn I'll choose to take with me to this island also incorporates this promise of Isaiah 43. How firm a foundation by John Rippon. There was a time I could not sing those words as I was in such a dark place, but today I praise Him for all His great faithfulness in all.

How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,

Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word!

What more can He say than to you He has said -

You, who unto Jesus for refuge have fled?

In every condition - in sickness, in health,

In poverty's vale, or abounding in wealth;

At home or abroad, on the land, on the sea,

As days may demand, shall thy strength ever be.

Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed!

I, I am thy God, and will still give thee aid:

I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,

Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.

When through the deep waters I cause thee to go,

The rivers of woe shall not thee overflow;

For I will be with thee, they troubles to bless,

And sanctify to thee, thy deepest distress.

When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,

My grace all-sufficient shall be thy supply;

The flame shall not hurt thee: I only design

Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.

The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose

I will not, I will not desert to its foes;

That soul, though all Hell should endeavour to shake,

I'll never, no never, no never forsake!