The Weekly Focal Point - July 27, 2017
God’s Good Plan
Life can be arduous and exhausting—especially when we have to navigate some of the consequences of our own foolish decisions. Even so, as Israel faced the dark days of the Babylonian captivity, they were comforted by our merciful God when he reminded them that though they had no one to blame but themselves for their present struggles, he was not distant and uncaring. The Lord lovingly chided them for daring to think that he was unconcerned about their struggles (Is.40:27).
He went on to challenge them that if they would broaden their perspective and put their focus on him (v.28) they would become the gracious recipients of his strength and power (v.29). “Even youths” he goes on to say, “shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint” (vv.30-31).
As Paul echoes in the New Testament, “waiting” is more than just “hanging in there,” it is an “internal renewal” and refreshment, which comes from a focus on God’s larger good that he has purposed in and through our Christian lives (2Cor.4:16-18). So don’t just drudge through life, even if your pains are self-inflicted. Look to our big God who has big plans that will outlast and overshadow your current struggles.
-- Pastor Mike
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