Encouragement - Pt. 2

 But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, the offspring of Abraham, my friend; you whom I took from the ends of the earth, and called from its farthest corners, saying to you, “You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off”; fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:8-10 ESV).

 

On April 10, the Denver-based artist Austin Zucchini-Fowler painted an arresting, multicolored “Healthcare Hero” mural on the wall of an abandoned building on Colfax Avenue. The mural shows a winged health care worker wearing a face mask and a pair of red boxing gloves. All of those folks who have been dubbed “front-line workers” could be pictured in this pose. And, I am encouraged by their faithfulness, courage, and tenacity. However, the real encouragement comes in knowing that the real strength comes from God. I like this mural for the wings and how that speaks to both God’s strength working through the individual.

 

That’s the message of today’s reading. Here the prophet says the Lord’s message to all of us is: "Do not fear, for I am with you" (v. 10). God knows we will go through difficult times in our lives. There will be hard moments when we'll feel scared and helpless, lonely and insecure. From our reading for today, let me suggest three things that give us reason to be encouraged:

 

     First, God has called us from the ends of the earth and chosen us to be his. That's the surest proof of God's love and concern for us. We do not need to doubt his call in our lives. It is evidenced in His character and history. We are his!

 

     Second, God is with us. He knows what circumstances we are going through, and he is suffering with us. I find it so much more encouraging to know that whatever we face, Jesus has already done as much or more. His endurance gives me hope. However, I also take comfort in knowing that He has not walked away from me. His Spirit lives within me and will never leave me. He is near!

 

     Third, the Lord reminds us that he is our God. He is on our side, and he is faithful! As we journey through life, it's important to remember that even in the midst of terrible struggles the Lord is on our side.

 

In his amazing grace, God will strengthen, help, and uphold us. The darker the night the brighter the Light! Use it to show you that next step home!