Renewal

Do you not know? Have you not heard?

The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 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 40:28-31

jan09.jpg In looking at these two pieces of wood, it may be difficult to see how the bright piece on the right once looked exactly like the grey weathered and worn piece on the left. But that is exactly the case. Both pieces looked identical. But with a little sandpaper, elbow grease, and belief in what lies below the surface, a renewal took place.

This is the time of year when I think of doing something a little better, becoming a little healthier, and I renew my vows to make a difference. Unlike the refurbishing of weathered wood, the renewal is not always easy to see. In the first place, it may not be apparent that a renewal is in order. Things are not always as they appear on the surface. Secondly, it can sometimes be painful to take the outer layer off so that you can see the beauty that lies below.

We have all sinned and fallen short of the grace of God. Each of us can get tired from time to time. Yet he beckons us to call upon Him. Paul writes: "And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Acts 2:21" What the prophet Isaiah is telling me is that our strength is in God. By hoping in Him, I become renewed. So as you go about setting your resolutions for this New Year, hope is in the Lord and the true strength that flows from God. Picture the finished state and believe in what is possible. The transformation will take place.

Dear Heavenly Father:
"Thank you for proving your word of strength and hope. Thanks you for seeing what lies beneath our rough and weathered surfaces. Help us to transform our lives and to make a difference with the strength in our hope in Jesus your Son. Amen!"

Contributed by Richard
Week of January 9, 2011
Liturgical Year A: Week 7
Liturgical Color: Gold
Sunday Gospel reading:
Baptism of Our Lord
First Sunday after the Epiphany