Ancient Israel always seemed to be flirting with idolatry. In Isaiah 40:27-31, God patiently explained that He is not like inanimate idols who are powerless to help man. He said, “The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable” (mysterious and unfathomable). Then He revealed some good news for us: “He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength.”
All human beings become weary and tired. We wonder how we are going to come up with the energy to do the things we are called upon to do. This is especially true as we age. However, our living God is able to help us carry on with renewed energy. God never wears out and He is willing to give us strength. The secret is to ask Him for it, and then get moving.
I’m reminded of my high school history teacher, Walter Dale. He was a long-time teacher at Great Lakes Christians College and a part-time preacher. After retiring, he and his wife Eileen decided to move to Halifax, Nova Scotia, to help the small congregation of the Church of Christ there. He could have easily spent his retirement in luxury and ease, as many people do. But not Walter. He wanted to serve the Lord as long as he could. He seemed to have a great deal of energy and strength for a man his age. For the second time in my life I was able to be friends with him, for we also lived in that part of the country. The Dales were a great model for me as a younger preacher.
Age, illness and overwork can slow us down. But when we need strength to carry on the Lord can give us what we need. It’s a quality that the living God shares with us. Idols can never come up with it, but our living God can.
Weary? Tired? Feeling weak? Now you know what to do.
– Tim Johnson