This is the way that
a recent AP article begins:
Is everything spinning out of control? Midwestern levees are bursting. Polar bears are adrift. Gas prices are skyrocketing. Home values are abysmal. Air fares, college tuition and health care border on unaffordable. Wars without end rage in Iraq, Afghanistan and against terrorism.
My life this past year has felt so out of control. Ann's wheelchair is a constant reminder of an out of control season that has made me feel that my emotional levee has been breached.. the floodwaters of sorrow seem to overwhelm me so often. It is at times like this I think that it is good to remember these words from the 40th chapter of Isaiah:
Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been declared to you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth? It is He who sits above the circle of the earth, And its inhabitants are like grasshoppers, Who stretches out the heavens like a curtain And spreads them out like a tent to dwell in. He it is who reduces rulers to nothing, Who makes the judges of the earth meaningless.
Lift up your eyes on high And see who has created these stars, The One who leads forth their host by number, He calls them all by name; Because of the greatness of His might and the strength of His power, Not one of them is missing.
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth Does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, And to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, And vigorous young men stumble badly, Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.
In times such as these it is good to remember that God is not surprised by the price at the pump.. or at the sorrow of our heart-pump. The admonition to wait on Him is an invitation to hope.. especially when things seem so out of control.
The summary comment, saying it is "good to remember God is not surprised", had me thinking, 'that does not help me one bit', but these words saved it for me; they made it all come together: "an invitation to hope". THAT works very well for me and I thank you for this blog. Today, I was blessed by your blog.
ReplyDeleteSincerely,
LTF
Your vulnerability is such a blessing, KB. I can certainly imagine your heart at overflow. This scripture is such an encouragement. Nothing is really out of control, is it? Just out of our control.
ReplyDeleteLove, Missy
Bob,
ReplyDeletelife it seems is not fair sometimes. I know that you know when we are in our weakest state is when He can really use us and do his work in us.
You are always a blessing my friend.
May he strengthen you today.
I love Isaiah 40. One year, right before Christmas, we were driving through a miserably hot country. We stopped and spent the night with some friends and shared in a Bible study. They had us read this chapter out loud as part of an Advent preparation and I was deeply moved. The contrasts were powerful--God as mighty deliverer and tender shepherd. The one who created all things and is above all, and who gives strength to the weary. Thanks for bringing these verses to my mind today. And thanks for sharing so honestly about what it is to continue in trust through the uncertainty and the sorrow and sometimes the sheer costliness of keeping on going.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing what it is like for you and Ann to face the constant reminder her wheelchair gives you of all the things you can't control. I'm so sorry for what you are facing together, and so thankful at the same time for how you encourage me and give me hope and courage in my own struggles.
Hey! Really nice blog! I also have one, www.trierer.blogg.se. =) It’s in English, but I actually live in Sweden. How about U?
ReplyDeleteHave a nice day =)
Leo
Thanks KB. A perfect reminder.
ReplyDeleteIt is in Jesus and Jesus alone that we find our strength, Bob. We KNOW that!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad your son in in America to celebrate the 4th.
Susan
Excellent words for meditation this morning. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI heard a quote from John C. Maxwell the other day, "When there is hope for tomorrow, there is power for today." The wonderful thing about serving God is the hope He gives us.
ReplyDeleteWe deceive ourselves when we think we are in control of our lives. Our control is so limited; by circumstances, others, even environment... If we don't have God to go to, what hope do we have?
I lifted you in prayer today, KB. I pray God will encourage you even more.