Today’s Reading: Isaiah 41-44, Psalm 80

Have you ever had a week or season of your life that was particularly difficult? I am in that season right now. Each day it seems like there is one more unexpected surprise or new loss. Even when things are difficult, I am so very thankful that I can pray to the God who loves me enough to carry me through a situation He has called me to endure.

He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.
Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion.
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint. – Isaiah 40:29-31

We serve such an incredible God!!! The Creator of everything LOVES US enough to care for us. He sees everything we are going through, knows us better than anyone else, and cares enough to give us what we need. He gives strength when we are weak. To trust God is like climbing on the wings of an eagle and soaring above life’s circumstances. His supply of strength is endless and His understanding is limitless. So what does God have planned for today? No matter what His plan, He will equip us.

How foolish can you be? He is the Potter, and he is certainly greater than you, the clay! Should the created thing say of the one who made it, “He didn’t make me”? Does a jar ever say, “The potter who made me is stupid”? – Isaiah 29:16

“And why have I called you for this work?
Why did I call you by name when you did not know me…” – Isaiah 45:4

There have been many times when I have wondered why God chose me for the purpose to which He has called me. I assume we have all had moments like this – moments when we wonder what our purpose is or why God chose us for THIS purpose. At times, we look to the person on our left and the person on our right and ask God why His plan for them is so different from His plan for us.

“What sorrow awaits those who argue with their Creator. Does a clay pot argue with its maker? Does the clay dispute with the one who shapes it, saying ‘Stop, you’re doing it wrong!’” – Isaiah 45:9

God, only you know your plan for my day and I submit to your plan. Thank you for caring for me; thank you for carrying me. Use me for your purposes today, Oh Lord. Give me eyes to see what you see and a heart that trusts you with the details. Lord, may I find new strength for today. Fill my life with good things and make your face to shine upon me. Amen.

And yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We all are formed by your hand. – Isaiah 64:8

Let all that I am praise the Lord;
with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.
Let all that I am praise the Lord;
may I never forget the good things he does for me.
He forgives all my sins
and heals all my diseases.
He redeems me from death
and crowns me with love and tender mercies.
He fills my life with good things.
My youth is renewed like the eagle’s! – Psalm 103:1-5