ISAIAH 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you,
Do not be afraid, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
REFLECTION
Have you ever been uncomfortable or ungrateful accepting an undeserved gift?
In the past, I struggled to accept God’s gift described in these verses. Even though family and friends demonstrated the courage our faith provides, I could not overcome my worries or troubles. Then, at a moment when least expected, during the lowest time in my life, God kept his assurances to strengthen and uphold me.
How did God fulfill these promises? He did it through this congregation. For me, the verses should have read, “WE will strengthen you. WE will help you. WE will uphold you.” The congregation of First Presbyterian fulfilled Isaiah 41:10 for me. God kept his promise through you, and I am reminded of those ongoing gifts every day.
If you struggle with fears or worry this season, my hope is that you will gladly accept the gifts offered in these verses and know that you, too, deserve them.
WRITTEN BY
Bill Schweppe
INTRODUCTION TO ADVENT DEVOTIONALS
This year’s Advent Devotional series begins each week with a Pastor’s video on the sermon scripture, followed on Mondays by an essay on the same text. Various writers reflect on familiar passages through the lens of the weekly Advent themes on following days. Our Friday prayer and Saturday journal prompt come from Kate Bowler, our 2025 Willard Lecturer.
Join me in daily reading and in the practice of looking for signs of God with us in every facet of our lives.
-Garrell Keesler