Wednesday, April 2nd
Jennifer Eckerson
“This is what the LORD says: “In the time of my favor I will answer you, and in the day of salvation I will help you; I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people, to restore the land and to reassign its desolate inheritances, to say to the captives, ‘Come out,’ and to those in darkness, ‘Be free!’ “They will feed beside the roads and find pasture on every barren hill.
Isaiah 49:8-9 (NIV)
Isaiah 49:8 reminds us that God’s plans unfold in His perfect timing. It is an assurance that even when circumstances seem bleak, He is at work, bringing restoration and renewal. To those who feel lost, broken, or burdened by life, this passage is a promise that God reclaims what seems ruined and brings light into the darkest places.
This verse also calls us to reflect on our role in God’s mission. Just as the Servant in Isaiah was a covenant for the people, we too are called to be ambassadors of God’s restoration, pointing others toward His salvation.
I recall a Sunday sermon given by an eloquently spoken Vietnam veteran. One line from his message has remained with me over the years:
“My sins are my own, and I won’t focus on the sins I have committed, but on the redemption God has provided, because focusing on my sins would distract from the beauty of God’s grace and His purpose.” That statement resonated deeply. Here was a man who had endured struggles beyond what I could imagine, yet he humbly stood before God, sharing his faith in His grace in a small Southern Episcopal church.
The love of God is a consistent thread throughout Scripture. Psalm 145:14 tells us, “The LORD upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.” He does not leave us in our weakness but actively supports and restores us when we stumble. This promise sustains me when life feels overwhelming—when burdens seem too heavy to carry. In those moments, God provides the strength to press on navigating the challenges that this life presents.
Like that Vietnam veteran, I have learned that if we focus solely on our struggles, we risk missing God’s perfect timing. It is in the struggle itself that we often find growth, strength, and a deeper understanding of His grace. While the journey may be difficult, the beauty lies in persevering through faith. And though we may not always receive the answer we had hoped for, we can trust that God’s plan is far greater than anything we could ever imagine.
Dear God, during this Lenten season, may we commit to embracing each day with a renewed focus—seeking joy in the intricate beauty of God’s plan. Growing in the freedom of His grace. Finding joy in serving Him wholeheartedly. Cherishing the joy found in my family, friends, and work. We stumble, and we fall short. May we humbly request that through God’s grace and the faith we place in Him, we are one body—restored, redeemed, and called to serve His greater purpose.
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