Read:
Soon afterward his wife, Elizabeth, became pregnant and went into seclusion for five months. “How kind the Lord is!” she exclaimed. “He has taken away my disgrace of having no children.”
~Luke 1:24-25 (NLT)Have you never heard?
Have you never understood?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of all the earth.
He never grows weak or weary.
No one can measure the depths of his understanding.
He gives power to the weak
and strength to the powerless.
Even youths will become weak and tired,
and young men will fall in exhaustion.
But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.
~Isaiah 40:28-31 (NLT)
Consider:
I wonder what Elizabeth did during her seclusion? During those days, women commonly secluded themselves once their pregnancy became obvious. But it seems that Elizabeth went into seclusion even earlier than was common. We know that her heart was joyful for she proclaims God’s kindness in verse 25:
“How kind the Lord is!” she exclaimed. “He has taken away my disgrace of having no children.”
I can just picture Elizabeth, busy, quietly preparing for the arrival of her baby boy. Her fingers quickly sew little garments and baby blankets. Tears probably run down her cheeks as she thanks God for the miracle he has given her. I can imagine her praying to God to prepare her for the task of raising a child who will become a great man of God. I can hear her softly whispered prayer, “Lord, please prepare me for what You are preparing for me!” She is elderly so I’m sure she also prayed for the physical strength to raise a son as well as the spiritual wisdom to guide him well.
Isaiah 40:31 brings such comfort when our strength is waning:
But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.
I think most of all, Elizabeth was taking time to prepare her heart for this new role to which God was calling her. Like Elizabeth, let’s allow God to prepare our hearts this Christmas season to draw closer to Jesus. Let’s place our trust fully in him and in doing so find new strength~His strength~to walk the path where He leads is. Let’s take time to hide ourselves in God’s presence. Let our prayer for this season be, “Lord, please prepare my heart…”
Breathe:
Breathe in His love…exhale all your struggles…
God wants to prepare your heart this Christmas season. Rather than wrap yourself in busyness and extravagance, snuggle up in His love for you and ask Him to reveal His destiny for your life.
Journal:
1. For what do you need to prepare your heart? Is there something to which God is calling you?
2. How are you preparing yourself today for what God is calling you to?
3. What are some ways you can allow God to renew your strength today?
Pray:
Precious Lord~thank You for Your promise of renewed strength. During this busy season help us to slow down and focus our hearts on You. You invite us to come away with You to a quiet place and into Your presence in order to prepare us for the works You planned for us. Help us slow down and accept Your invitation today. In Jesus’ precious name we pray…Amen!
Comment:
Share one way you plan to allow God to renew your strength today.