How Did He Do That?

Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths 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. (Isaiah 40:28-31 ESV).

 

I hope you have enjoyed the short series in the Book of Proverbs. Today we’ll begin to look through various passages under the theme of encouragement and hope, especially during times of stress and difficulty.

 

Harry Houdini was a Hungarian-born American illusionist and stunt performer, noted for his sensational escape acts. He first attracted notice in vaudeville in the US and then as "Harry 'Handcuff' Houdini" on a tour of Europe, where he challenged police forces to keep him locked up. Harry Houdini's grand illusions and daring, spectacular escape acts made him one of the most famous magicians of all time.

 

As is true with most people, I am fascinated by magicians. Some years ago I was picked from the audience to participate in a magic act. Somewhat embarrassed but willing to give it a try, I complied with the request. Standing in front of the audience was the problem for me. I just wanted to figure out how they did what they did. I was asked to put on a long coat, almost a robe. Then I was tied up and wrapped in a rope. Of course I was afforded the chance to check the rope and knots. They seemed secure. A curtain was drawn up over me with the magician’s assistant standing behind me. I stood still, the curtain shook a bit for effect, and when it dropped, I was left with the ropes still ties around me but the long overcoat was on the assistant. Though I have watched that trick many times on video, I still don’t know how he did it!

 

I know it was an illusion of some kind, but it sure looked “real.” When I read the Scripture I am also often confounded with the omnipotence of God. Think of it. God created time, and at the beginning of time “God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1) and every­thing in it. Creation brought about major changes: from no time to time, from nothing to everything, from no life to life. No wonder David exclaimed, as he thought about God’s creation, “What is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?” (Psalm 8:4). Isaiah asks, “Do you not know? Have you not heard?” It is at the heart of our hope! This is the source of our strength!