11th December Advent Devotion – Take Strength; Have Courage
Hello,
When I painted this painting my journey was particularly dark. I didn’t feel safe, yet I had the promise of being hidden in Father’s hands.
John 10v27-29
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”
In the same painting, I also painted the promise of Isaiah 35, crocus blooming, The burning sand becoming a pool, the thirsty ground bubbling springs and all of it within God’s life-giving presence.
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| A painting I did meditating on Isaiah 35. Photo by Karen Way |
As our Advent journey continues we hear Father’s promises through Isaiah. In Chapter 35 Father speaks a vision of hope, joy and restoration.
“Imagine the wilderness whooping for joy,
the desert’s unbridled happiness with its spring flowers.
It will happen! The deserts will come alive with new growth budding and blooming,
singing and celebrating with sheer delight.
So, with confidence and hope in this message,
strengthen those with feeble hands, shore up the weak-kneed and weary.
Tell those who worry, the anxious and fearful,
“Take strength; have courage! There’s nothing to fear.
Look, here—your God! Right here is your God!”
There are many times in my life when I feel parched, when my strength to do what I know I should is feeble, when I am lamed by my fears, overwhelmed.
But in Jesus I am quenched, and strengthened. I can see and hear again. I am safe. I am restored, made whole through His death on the cross.
Do you know that you are safe in your Father’s hands today?
Whatever season you are in, whatever circumstances you are facing, God’s provision is enough. Declare (out loud) the scripture today. Declare it to the season, the circumstance or on behalf of another you know.
“Take strength; have courage! There’s nothing to fear.
Look, here—your God! Right here is your God!”
Amanda Cook Sings ‘You make me brave”