Strength for the Weary

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. – (Isaiah 41:10, NIV)

Don’t worry – I am with you. Don’t be afraid – I am your God. I will make you strong and help you. I will support you with my right hand that brings victory. – (Isaiah 41:10, ERV)

So don’t be afraid. I am here, with you; don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, help you. I am here with My right hand to make right and to hold you up. – (Isaiah 41:10, VOICE)

For whatever reason, I have not slept well for the last few nights. Last night, I woke from a disturbing dream and felt very unsettled. Typically when that occurs, I try to clear my mind and go back to sleep. This time, all I could do was pray. Pray for protection, for peace, and for a covering over my family and friends. I know that God is always with me, and that I need not be afraid or anxious. It is He who strengthens and upholds us, and is faithful to be found each time we choose to seek Him. Yesterday, despite exhaustion, I was granted the strength and energy to accomplish all that was needed. Today, I will trust Him for the same. May we ever seek our Savior to help, strengthen and support us, for in Him, we have no reason to fear.

Choose not to worry,

And be not afraid;

The Lord is present,

He will make a way.

Faithful forever,

God grants what we need;

He knows and He sees,

Gives strength to succeed.

Hope for the weary,

Strength when ours is gone;

Peace in His presence,

So we may press on.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You grant us strength when we are weary and burdened. Thank You that we need not fear. Thank You that You see and know our needs. Thank You that as we seek You, You meet us and lead us in Your strength. Forgive us for staying stuck, even in the moment, as You are always available for us to seek You. Teach us to turn to You in trust, for You are faithful to be with us and to meet our needs. Show us how to love those around us in ways that offer strength, help and support where it is needed. Show us how to love well. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we set fears at Your feet and rely on You to be present to help in all things. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

Splendor and majesty are before Him; strength and joy are in His dwelling place. – 1 Chronicles 16:27

Faith Fuels a Firm Foundation

photo by Chris Esty

“God, who knows the heart, showed that He accepted them (the Gentiles) by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as He did to us.  He made no distinction between us and them, for He purified their hearts by faith.” – Acts 15:8-9

God is not interested in our pedigree nor our position (though He can and will use both if we are willing); rather He cares only for the condition of our hearts.  He accepts and blesses with the presence of the Holy Spirit, all, who by faith, come to believe.  Our hearts are not made pure by piety (works), but instead by our faith in the Father, and through the work of His Spirit in us.  We each hold equal and infinite value to our Creator.

God grants each of us the grace that is needed to share our story, and to impact the internal condition of the hearts of all whom we call our community.  It matters not to Him, our position, nor history, and yet He utilizes both to breathe life and hope to all who hear.  He uses the least of us to touch lives and transform communities, when we have a willing heart that is founded in faith.  Our influence reaches far beyond what our eyes can see.  Who but God, truly knows the reach of a redeemed heart that is ready to serve?

For me, it was the willing hearts of teachers, Sunday school staff, grandparents, great family and friends, who were full of faith and obedient to the Father, that led me to believe and trust our Beloved, from a tender age.  Though I knew not the full historical significance, nor the Hebrew, I knew that Jesus had come into my heart, and was granted the grace to grow my faith that taught me to trust that He would remain.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You sent Your Son because You love us, and longed to make a way to lead us back to a restored relationship with You.  Forgive us for when our faith is lacking, and remind us again of the mountains You can move, if only we are willing to walk in Your way.  Teach us, lead us, and guide us I pray, so that a firm foundation of faith will fuel us to follow You all of our days.  May our willing obedience open hearts to hear the truth.  Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present