Today's Word of Encouragement

AWARE, ABLE, AND AVAILABLE

Tuesday, April 14, 2020

     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 t he weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 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 be faint (Isaiah 40:28-31).

     For 40 years Isaiah warned Israel of the consequences of their sin of idolatry. If the people refused to repent, God would send them into exile in Babylon. Israel refused. God’s judgment came. These verses were to be a comfort to the faithful remnant who would suffer under the judgment of God, though they were not the cause of it. There are three great truths about God in these verses that can bring comfort and encouragement to us as we continue to endure the Coronavirus pandemic.

     God is AWARE of the crisis and of those suffering because of it. He is aware of the fearful, the sick, and the loved ones of those who have died. He is aware of the resources needed, the means whereby those resources can be brought to bear, and the efforts of those who are helping to bring this crisis under control. He is aware of what you are going through, and He will be with you through it.

     God is ABLE to assist us in the midst of the crisis. He is the Sovereign Lord over all creation. He doesn’t get tired or grow weary. He is able to use this pandemic to accomplish His purposes in the earth, and can provide for, protect, and empower His people as they trust in Him. This does not mean we will not suffer, but it does mean that God is wit h us in the suffering, and that can be of great comfort to us.

     God is AVAILABLE to help those who wait upon Him. He renews our strength. He gives us power in our weakness. He enables us to endure the time of trial, no matter how short or long. He gives us counsel to make the right decisions and wisdom to guide us through this dangerous time.

     With these truths in mind, may we not be guilty of saying “My way is hidden from the Lord, and my just claim is passed over by my God!” He is aware, able, and available to each of us today, and every day.

Pastor Martin