ETERNAL ENDURANCE
Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of His understanding. 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 40:28-31 (NLT)
I've heard it said that everyone has faith but that it's the object of that faith that really matters. Even the staunchest agnostic or atheist actually has faith in their worldview. But what is their faith built upon? For that matter, do we, as Christ-followers, understand what our faith is built upon? Or who our faith is built upon?
The good news is that our faith is not in ourselves or our efforts. If it were, we'd all be in trouble, no matter how moral you may be. We all sin and fall short of the glory of God (see Romans 3:23). And the wages of sin is death (see Romans 6:23). But God, in His rich mercy and grace, settled our sin debt and purchased our freedom with the precious lifeblood of his Son Jesus. Jesus, who lived a perfect life, willingly sacrificed it and then rose from the dead three days later. He is bodily resurrected and promises to return one day to establish His everlasting Kingdom. This is the Good News!
Isaiah, writing long before Jesus would come to earth, had a strong understanding of who God is and the significance of placing our faith in Him. It's a beautiful juxtaposition of God's never-ending strength with our own fallibility. When we are powerless, we can find new strength in Him. God will enable us to run the race set before us with endurance if we only fix our eyes on Him (see Hebrews 12:1-2).
APPLICATION: Where are you finding your strength? In the gym? Your mental fortitude? Your position at work? Where are you placing your faith? In your bank account? Your closest friends and family? Your morality? Take a moment to stop and acknowledge who God is. Then, ask Him to help you grow in your dependence on Him.
PRAYER: Almighty God, help me to never forget who You are and what You've done. You're my Creator, the Alpha and the Omega. Help my faith and dependence on You to grow daily. Humble me that I might stay more connected to You. In Jesus' name, amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?