Lent, Day 18: Strength and Courage

A Season of Hope ~ Preparing Our Hearts for Easter

 Isaiah 40:31

“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.”

 This verse from God’s Word has often been a great source of encouragement in times of stress or weariness, for those who have placed their hope in Jesus who is our source of strength. The last few years have been downright wearying and, no matter what things look like in our own personal world or the world at large, we all need renewed strength to get through each day. We are bombarded by 24 hours of local, national, and international news, and political turmoil which in itself can be overwhelming and distressing. But let us be reminded that our hope is not in any one person but, rather, our hope must always be in our sovereign, holy God.

 We know that we are in this time in history because God has placed us here, and perhaps in part for such a time as this—to be prayer warriors during this Lenten season. We are reminded that even Jesus had to deal with the hateful, unjust politics of His day that ultimately resulted in His death. But, we are also reminded to “fix our eyes on Jesus” for our future, the future of our nation, and the future of the world, and that His plans and purposes will be fulfilled. We earnestly pray that His plans will be accomplished and those plans—that are for our good and His glory—will stand firm through all generations.

 Father, when our hearts turn to fear of the “what ifs” and “what might happen” in the world, forgive us and remind us of this verse in Deuteronomy, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” We humbly and boldly ask for strength and courage for our nation and the world in the days ahead. In the name of Jesus who is our Strength. Amen.

 Galatians 6:9:

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

 As a devoted Christ-follower, Marsha has walked this twisting, winding, bumpy road called life, giving her many opportunities to serve Him. At this point in her life, she has a great sense of urgency to share the love of Christ with men and women from all walks of life through the written word.  She has been married for 56 years and is the mother of two married daughters and grandmother of four.

You can contact her through her Devotions For All Reasons Facebook page, the website of the same name, as well as: Tea For All Reasons, Food For All Reasons (both shared with her daughter, Jen) and England For All Reasons, shared with her husband, Jake.

Image by DEEPAI