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 now is a time that we all need renewed strength to get through each day. While being bombarded by 24 hours of local, national, and international news, political turmoil, which in itself can be overwhelming and distressing, let us be reminded that our hope is not in any one person in our nation but, rather, our hope must always be in our sovereign, holy God.
We know that we are in this country because God has placed us here and perhaps part of it is 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—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.”
~ painting by Stephen Darbishire
