Do I Have What It Takes?
This holiday season–the time from Thanksgiving to Christmas and New Year’s–is so stressful for so many of us. Honestly, it should be a joy-filled season of being thankful for all God has given us, especially when we celebrate Christmas. As Christ-followers, we recognize the birth of the Savior of the World!
But I’ll admit it. I’m often in the Lower Story. I’m not focused on heaven and eternity in the Upper Story and I let too many things here on earth cloud my vision and focus of Christ.
Isaiah says:
“Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall…”
(Is. 40:30 NIV84)
Them young kids! They’re so immature.
Wait.
That’s me at times. Is it you?
Are there times when we are just plain focused on running our own race?
Isaiah continues a few verses later:
“…but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not grow faint.”
(Isaiah 40:31, NIV84)
Where is our hope during these busy or difficult times? Where are we placing our trust? What is the focus?
When our hope and trust are in the Creator of the ends of the earth, Scripture says we will have our strength renewed; we will soar! We won’t grow weary, nor will we grow faint. The well of His strength and perseverance is deep if only we would swill the life-sustaining essence from His Spirit!
I have nothing good to offer if I don’t have Jesus and His Holy Spirit as the overflow of my heart. Goodness flows from the good stored up in it. (see Luke 6:45 NASB) He is what has to fill it.
“Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.”
(Isaiah 40:28, 29)
Dear Jesus, thank You for being the everlasting Creator of all. When I am weary and look to You, you give me strength and when I am weak, You increase my power to endure. Help me to seek You in everything as I run this race. I am so thankful as we prepare during this Advent season to remember Your birth.
Isaiah listened to Your voice, Lord, and wrote most of the prophecies concerning the coming of Your Son. Mary and Joseph were so faithful as they trusted in You to show them the way. The shepherds believed the Good News of great joy the angels heralded as they followed directions to the place of Your birth. The Magi traveled across lands to worship You and bring You their precious and costly offerings.
Father, that we would do no less! Help us to listen, trust, believe, follow, worship and offer whatever we have to You. Help me to find my strength in You this Christmas season and always.
Amen.
