Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. – Isaiah 40:30-31
INTRODUCTION
What is that thing you’ve always wanted to do? Travel the world? Write a book? Launch a business? lt’s all too easy to let everyday life take priority and keep pushing your dreams aside. Let’s set aside time each day to rediscover the dreams God has given us. We were not made to go through life knocked down, barely surviving, friends. God has good things planned for your life, so you can trust Him even when your dreams seem too far out of reach.
- You might fall down, but you don’t have to stay down.
If our hope is placed firmly in God, we will find the strength in Him to get back up. God doesn’t want us to live life beaten, demoralized, and hating ourselves. He loves us, and He wants us to love ourselves. He has faith in us and wants us to have faith in Him. He has good things planned for our lives, so we can trust Him when we are down. “Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken” – Psalm 55:22.
Have you ever fallen flat on your face? Did it feel like things would never be good again? Maybe you’ve wondered if things were ever good to begin with. But those thoughts are not based in truth. God has blessed us, made previous dreams come true and brought the people we need into our lives. He has always been working for us, always loving us.
Being knocked down hurts, so let’s take the time we need to heal, but should not stay down so long that we begin to believe that you belong there. “The Lord upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down” – Psalm 145:14.
- All you have to do is ask for Help
I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word. — Psalm 119:147
When we mess up or fail, our natural inclination is to try to hide our mistakes and fix the issues ourselves. This is nothing new. From the time Adam and Eve hid from God in the Garden of Eden, we’ve been trying to hide our messes from God. But it wasn’t a good plan for Adam and Eve, and it isn’t a good plan now. Hiding a mess doesn’t make it go away, and shouldering a crushing burden alone will eventually crush you.
Make no mistake, God can clearly see that mess we are trying to hide. You aren’t fooling Him. But in hiding and turning away from Him, we are only hurting ourselves more. God wants you to turn to Him for help when you need it (and even when you don’t). He’s ready to make things happen on your behalf, to provide comfort and healing, or to inspire you with new dreams. All you have to do is ask. “For your name’s sake, Lord, preserve my life; in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble” – Psalm 143:11.
We try to hide our missteps from people too, even from our loved ones. Maybe we have closed ourselves off from the people who love us most and want to help us because we are embarrassed or ashamed. But don’t forget the truth that everyone fails. Those who sincerely love us will understand, and they will be ready to support us and help us however they can. “In your unfailing love, silence my enemies; destroy all my foes, for I am your servant” – Psalm 143:12.
Conclusion
Even the strongest people get tired at times, but God’s power and strength never diminish. He is never too tired or too busy to help and listen. His strength is our source of strength. When we feel all of life is crushing and we cannot go another step, let us remember that we can call upon God to renew our strength.
Trusting in the Lord is the patient expectation that God will fulfill His promises in His Word and strengthen us to rise above life’s difficulties.
Being knocked down, failing is so painful and embarrassing. It can cause us to forget our dreams. God is with us and has new dreams and a bright future ahead of us. We belong out in the world making a difference for the Kingdom of God! “The Lord will vindicate me; your love, Lord, endures forever— do not abandon the works of your hands” – Psalm 138:8.
- Culled from Faithgateway Devotionals.
Remain Blessed!
Please note: The preaching programme on Sunny 88.7 FM (Tuesdays at 5:30 a.m.) has been temporarily put on hold. However, please continue to join us for our Radio Bible Study on Asempa 94.7 FM every Sunday at 5:30 a.m. and YFM 107.9 every Sunday at 6:30 a.m. Also, tune in to Sunny 88.7 FM every Sunday at 3:30 p.m. for Hymns and Their Stories.
