“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” (Isaiah 40:28-31a NIV)

“The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.” (Jeremiah 31:3 NIV)

Our cocker spaniel Candy had gained so much weight, or so I thought until I bathed her and realized I could see all her ribs. Her belly however was huge.

Later that week Candy underwent surgery at the veterinarians. The vet called afterwards to tell me that the tumor was a blood fed, rapid growth variety the size of a football. The surgical incision necessary to remove it was almost the entire length of her body. He then asked me to come and pick her up as he believed her only hope for survival was to be with those who loved her.

Love is a powerful incentive in our lives. Without it we have no reason to go on. Life is meaningless and futile. With it however comes hope and the renewal of strength and power to sustain us through whatever hardships life may bring.

Today you may be going through a time of hopelessness. You may wonder….what is the point of going on? If so I encourage you to remember. Remember that you are loved by the everlasting God, the King of Love who came to earth, and laid down his perfect, sinless life for the sin of man that all mankind might have hope eternal: Hope to go on amidst the darkness, the pain of sorrow, the depressions and loneliness of this life, into the glory of His renewed strength and power.

In the end love made the difference for Candy. I encourage you today, to let it do the same for you.

Prayer: Wonderful Lord and Everlasting God, bless us this day with the eternal hope of your love. Open our eyes to see your hand at work amidst our situations. Unstop our ears to hear your whisper of encouragement. Renew the strength of our hearts that we might soar like eagles; run and not grow weary, walk and not faint (Isaiah 40:31b). In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

Lynne Phipps Atlin, BC lynnephipps@hotmail.com