Rev. Richard Smith
January 9, 2023
| Isaiah 40:29-31 The Lord gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young persons stumble and fall; but those who lean upon 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. |
I’ve read two quotes the last few days which remind me that indeed God matters! And, most interestingly, these quotes come from two very, very different persons.
First, there’s a tweet from Pope Francis. He tweeted on January 1:
Even when we feel plunged into a dark and difficult maelstrom of injustice and suffering, we are still called to keep our hearts open to hope, trusting in God who accompanies us with tenderness, sustains us, and guides us along our way.
Isaiah and Pope Francis both highlight our need to lean into and put trust in our God who is ever at work accompanying us whatever we face; sustaining us amidst the toughest and darkest moments of life; guiding us toward right and good decisions which can bring fulfilment and peace.
Secondly, there are the words of Demar Hamlin, the NFL player with the Buffalo Bills. We all know his remarkable story; from seeming tragedy on January 2 to unbelievable recovery the last couple of says. I was going to quote one tweet Demar posted until I saw the one he posted earlier today (Sunday) as the Bills prepared to play. He said…
Nothing I want more than to be running out that tunnel with my brothers. God using me in a different way today. Tell someone you love them today!
The essence of the witness of Pope Francis and Demar is a foundational belief that God is with us working for good in the direst of circumstances. This doesn’t belie the truth that great suffering is not to be treated lightly. But these two men of faith are reminding us that there is strength beyond our strength, courage beyond our courage, hope beyond our hope simply because our God, the God of creation, is with us every step of the way providing inner resources which lift us up and carry us on.
Leaning on the Lord is certainly no promise of problem-free living, but it is a promise that we walk the journey with God on our side!!
