One Day at a time, a daily reflection

by surprisedbyjoy@yahoo.com

December 6

Strength for the weary and weak

"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 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." Isaiah 40:28-31

I was cleaning my files the other day and came across an old sermon based on these verses. I had preached a message titled, "Amazing Strength" at a naval hospital more than five years ago. Powerful memories flooded my mind of a courageous, quiet, bald headed woman who came to the chapel for that Sunday morning service.

She came alone with her intravenous bottle swaying with every step. Her eyes never left me during the message. The chapel service had a time for special blessing and anointing for those who wanted healing prayers. She was too weak to come forward for prayer and so I went to her. The woman was undergoing massive chemotherapy and radiation for a vicious metastatic cancer. Her prognosis was very poor. Only God could help her at this stage of her disease. We were not the only ones in the congregation with tears in our eyes.

After the service was over, I visited this frail woman in her hospital room and found her resting in bed with an open Bible on her lap. Sure enough, it was opened to these verses. She labored for breath as she told of her struggle with pain and pending death. The scripture had greatly encouraged her to hold on for another day. She had literally imagined herself soaring with the eagles in power and strength.

I do not remember what else she shared. Her great faith was humbling. Her courage and dignity was profound. These words helped her live one more day with strength and hope. The illness was wasting away her body, but her faith in God was vibrant and deep. She was not afraid.

She is probably dead. But I will always remember her courage and faith. I will remember the look in her eyes as she listened to these words. I will remember her open Bible during her time of great need and physical suffering. She found that God was enough. And in doing so, she received the strength needed for living one day at a time.

Prayer: God, strengthen our faith in whatever our circumstances may be through these lovely words of courage and help. Amen.