Today's Scripture:
Isaiah 40:1-11 1 Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. 2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the LORD’s hand double for all her sins. 3 A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the LORD[a]; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.[b] 4 Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. 5 And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.” 6 A voice says, “Cry out.” And I said, “What shall I cry?” “All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field. 7 The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the LORD blows on them. Surely the people are grass. 8 The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” 9 You who bring good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good news to Jerusalem,[c] lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, “Here is your God!” 10 See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. 11 He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.
Reflect: Reflect on a story in your life that pertains to this scripture.
From June 2020 to June 2022, I completed my pharmacy residency in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (Bucks in 6!). Those years were without a doubt the most challenging years of my life. It’s often said that each year of residency is equal to 3-5 years of work experience. The workload was intense and the hours long. If you’re anything like me, there’s nothing like a good nap when there’s a million things to do and life seems to be on fire in every direction. Procrastination became my norm, further enflaming the raging infernos. I would cry out to God wondering why he would not rescue me from my circumstances even though I was the one that put myself in them in the first place. Like the people in Isaiah 40: 1-11, God allowed me to be disciplined so that I could grow out of my disobedience and do the work He’s called me to do. I don’t know what you’re going through today. Maybe you’re like me and have put yourself in situations because of your own doing. Or maybe you’re in a tough situation because of external circumstances. Regardless, the same God that comforted His people out of exile is the same God that comforts you and me today. We can rest assured in His faithfulness. He pardons our sin and walks alongside us in power and great gentleness. Looking back at it, I’m grateful for the challenges He brought through and the way that He’s continued to mold me into who He wants me to be.
Read: What is this scripture telling you during this season?
Isaiah 40: 1-11 tells of a time when God’s people felt absolutely defeated likely following their exile to Babylon as foretold in the previous chapter. Its sweet words serve as comfort to God’s people, reminding them that despite the self-inflicted wounds of their past, He is faithful to pardon their sin. He disciplines those He loves but never abandons them.
Respond: How is this scripture calling you to respond?
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your patience. Thank you for the love you extend to us despite our rebellion. In this season, I pray that you open the eyes of our hearts to see areas in our lives where we are disobedient. Help us to know that the discipline we experience at times is for our ultimate good. Continue to prune us so that we may bear more fruit. Comfort us in difficult seasons. And let everything we do be a testament to your glory. I ask all of this in Jesus' name, Amen.
About Michael Akwari:
I am the son of Okey and Grace Akwari and brother of Julieanne and Joy Akwari. Currently, I work as an Informatics Pharmacist with Harris Health and The University of Texas Medical Branch. I’ve been a member of Grace since birth and recently began serving as a small group leader for pre-school kiddos. I love traveling, playing basketball and lifting weights.
I've been a member of Grace since birth and currently serve as a small group leader for pre-school children.