A New Hope

As we creep towards 2012, the last few days of the year are often filled with reminiscing, introspection, and weight loss pledges. For some, a look back on 2011 floods the mind with great memories of family, friends and faith. Others, however, can't wait to replace the calendar. It was a year of struggles, pain and heartache. Most probably fall somewhere in the middle. There were days when we walked on sunshine and others when we sighed under the weight of life in this sin-sick world.
Whatever your experience was in 2011, the Bible offers hope for the future. Spend a moment and feast on these familiar verses:
Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:28–31, ESV)
Now take a moment and read them again. Go ahead.
We have a God who never grows tired, never get's overloaded, never gets overwhelmed, never needs a vacation, never needs a break, and never gives up. He is there when we are at the end of our rope. When we're all out of strength, that's when he does his best work.
Whether our last year was forgettable or packed with treasured memories, we will need to fill our tank for what lies ahead. This passage says that even those who are full of vitality and strength will eventually "fall exhausted."
God is ready to give us the power of the eagle (ever watched Discovery Chanel?), the ability to fly no matter how turbulent the storm. The ability to run, no matter how long the race. He does not offer glassy seas, but he does promise his grace and wisdom to navigate them. The "can" when you say you can't.
The catch? The offer is to those who wait upon him. To those who rely, not upon their own resources, but upon his. He will come through. He has never once failed and he's not about to start.