Strength

 Where does the strength come from to endure when our strength is gone? ( Isaiah 40:31), But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint.” Last night I had the pleasant opportunity to enjoy an active evening with Max and Samuel my Grandsons. I was still savoring the memories of past days when my cousin Wade and I would romp enjoying the energy of youth the freedom of expression having acres to run and enjoy. I attended Wade’s funeral Thursday, he died unexpectedly of a heart attack.
    Strength to do the things we enjoy in life is a blessing. Rollicking with the Grandsons, and a 65 pound Lab, takes all you got at my age. I laugh almost continuously, Darlene worries I’m playing to rough. Strength to enjoy, what many have no opportunity to enjoy, often requires more than we have to give. I went to bed at 10:00 grateful that it was bath time for the boys. How often in the journey of life have you been hard pressed to perform, maybe just to hang in there, until you had nothing left to give. Where does the strength come from for us to endure life situations that often knock us down. My help comes from the Lord. How many times have you realized, “without Me you can do nothing.” As I write this morning my eyes are drawn to the pamphlet, from the funeral home, on the deceased. The front page is the often written “Footsteps.” I quote a section from it;  it clarifies my story. A man who’s life flashes before him in a dream. Footprints, along a sandy beach. Two sets, then only one. He asks the Lord,”Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you, you’d walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troubled times in my life there is only one set of footprints. Why when I needed You the most you would leave me. The Lord replied, “My son, My precious child, I love you and would never leave you. During your times of trials and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I CARRIED YOU.”
    Many times in my life it has been two outs in the bottom of the ninth. I’m unable to lift the bat. A pitch  hitter is needed and Jesus answers the call. A home run is hit, the situation is changed, victory instead of defeat. That’s the Lord I serve: His average is 100%, He never fails. Just one more thing: “ Pick you this day who you will serve.  Jesus loves us and He gave His life for us.” Praise His name! Thank you Jesus!

Your Friend,
Bill