In my personal Bible reading I’ve been working my way through Isaiah. At times it has felt a bit like work. The first forty chapters of Isaiah are not exactly light reading. Israel’s been living in sin, and has completely turned away from God. Isaiah is sent to tell the people that God is not going to leave them where they are. He is going to bring intense judgment, so that they will be brought back to Him.
Around Isaiah 40 the tone starts to change. God assures Israel that He isn’t going to completely destroy them, and that He is their Savior and Redeemer. There are a lot of great verses to contemplate in this chapter, but I particularly loved Isaiah 40:10-11.
Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might, and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. He will tend his flock like a shepherd, he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.
He will gently lead those that are with young… Oh, what encouragement and joy in those verses! As a mom, I so often need His grace and strength to get me through my days. Raising these children He’s blessed me with is by far one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. Knowing that every day I am teaching them who He is by the example I set. Am I teaching them truths or lies? Then there are the never ending tasks that feel like such drudgery. Changing diapers, dishes, laundry, baths, meals… And always there is someone there demanding my time and attention. Knowing it will start all over again the next morning.
I fail constantly. But He is oh so gentle with me, even when I need His correction. I pray that my children will be able to see that same gentleness as I parent them.
And where can I get the strength to mother these little ones with Christ-like gentleness, even when the days are long?
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. Isaiah 40:28-29
How have you experienced His gentle leading? What are some ways you’ve felt Him give you strength?
