Isaiah 40:28-31 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. ESV
 
Turning our weariness to strength
     What am I to learn from this weariness, this pain, this exhaustion? How can I turn this pain into praise?

     *acknowledge the difference in your life now because of what you've been through
     *know that temporary fixes such as drugs, alcohol and self-pity keep you locked in your pain
     *exercise your choice to praise
     *choose to reach out to family, friends, a Christian counselor
     *list daily what you are grateful for 
     *thank God for lessons you have learned along the way
     *forgive others and yourself so you may be forgiven (Mark 11:25)
     *believe that God truly loves you
     *conduct a word search in the Bible on "Hope"
     *read through the Psalms

I Peter 1:6,7  In this you rejoice (a living hope), though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith--more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire--may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. ESV

Father, thank you for helping us to be strong, courageous, bold and powerful, and to soar high like the eagles. We give you all the praise, glory and honor.  Amen
 
 
 

 

 

The wind and waves are wild and high. The dark clouds roll in. The storm moves in and takes over your strength. A dangerous undercurrent pulls you out into the deep water, and you feel as though you will sink.

What storms are causing you to drown: • Pain caused by cancer or other disease • Unresolved trauma from rape or abuse • Anger over betrayal or broken relationships • Grief over death or loss • Guilt from sin

You try to swim on your own but can’t seem to keep your head above the raging waves. Just when your body gives way, someone wraps his arms around you and carries you through the rough waters and onto the shore.

You notice a brightness in the distance and see the beautiful sunset appearing below the storm clouds. Something good is on the way:
• Comfort • Protection • Peace • Rest • Love

Forty years ago today, I made the decision to rest in Jesus' outstretched arms and allow him to take me on a journey. I became drenched in His love.