Fields United Methodist Church

Thoughts Along the Path

Pastor Tom Joyce

May 29, 2023

“But those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not grow weary, they shall walk and not faint.”

Isaiah 40:31

New adventures bring great excitement as well as a degree of uncertainty; along the path we seek the finish line but often become impatient with the peaks and valleys along the way. Living life waiting to find what may be around the next curve in the road distracts from the moments prior to the curve.  Waiting for the Lord is celebrating all the gifts God has offered along the way; we may want to rush to the next chapter but God seeks for us to savor the moment, this very moment. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ offers new life and strength for today to be able to stop and truly “consider the lilies” that line our path. There may be momentary setbacks but Jesus will renew your strength through the power of the Holy Spirit which has been offered to “run and not grow weary, walk and not faint.” It is not the challenges in life that determine character but the reaction to those challenges that witness newness of life in Christ. God calls you to “wait” and to slow down, appreciating the amazing blessings you have received even during times of great challenge and uncertainty.  As you begin a new chapter in life or simply the next day of your journey, know that no matter how tired you may be, how defeated you may feel, and even if the end result cannot yet be seen, know that your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is with you every step of the way so you may live in the moment, your strength renewed. Celebrate every moment of every day and with gratitude thank Jesus for all things great and small, and at all times live out the joy of faith with the renewing strength of our grace-filled and merciful God.