“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 40v30-31 (NIV).

The preceding verses have been extolling the supremacy of God, “To whom then will you compare God?”. Believe it or not, we cannot match him! The challenge of Isaiah 40 is this: who do we, in practice, rely on as God? If it is ourselves, then it does not matter how young or fit we may be, we will grow tired and weary and stumble and fall. If it is the LORD, then he will renew our strength and that will not just keep us going, but enable us to “soar” (I’ve always wanted to fly!). What does “to soar” mean? It seems to me, at least in part, to be the extraordinary action of keeping the encouragement in Romans 12v10-13 “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honour; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.” (NASB)

It is my privilege to see much of this amongst our church family, and I believe the Lord delights to see it –  and encourages us to keep going. The key to the long term is to keep on keeping our hope in the LORD!

With love and blessing,

Roland

News/Prayer

1. Please continue to pray for the Carr and Hall family following Naomi’s funeral today. May the Lord give them strength in the days ahead. Please pray for Jo Stanton after the loss of her mum last weekend.
2. It was wonderful to have a number of testimonies this last Sunday morning. We’re looking forward to this Sunday. What is the Lord doing in your life? Even if it is not shared with everyone, why not come to share it with someone else over tea/coffee?
3. Are you interested in your children catching your faith? This theme is being explored in dramatic and dynamic style by Riding Lights Theatre company on Friday 2^nd February at Holy Trinity Academy. Begins 7.30pm. Tickets £10 from https://www.new-wine.org/adventurebegins .

Building a Lasting Marriage – by Care for the Family at Park Inn, Telford on Tuesday 20^th March 7pm – 10pm, Tickets £4. https://www.careforthefamily.org.uk/event/it-takes-two-telford