Inward Renewal

"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah40:29-31 NIV

I got up this morning and was getting prepared to go to work. Then I realized that I should pray first. I know my heart may still be struggling but I prayed for a renewel of strength and of faith. I walked out the door and saw the grey sky but then I started to remember the blog that I read about Wesley's father and the way he and Grace continued to praise the Lord even in the midst of their father's hospitalization. I only read the last 10 days of the 204days blog but they reminded me of the blessings that the Lord has given me everyday of my life. Then I looked up at the grey sky again and realized that for one bad thing that has happened the Lord has given me million of things to be thankful for. Even the rain is a renewl of life on earth for without it the plants will not grow and our physical thirst will not be quenched.

I have been receiving such encouraging words from everyone in the past couple of days. I know the Lord has surrounded me with angels that are prepared to catch me when I fall. For He has said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew11:28-30 NIV

I still need to constantly refer to the bible for scriptures and verses and I pray I will start to memorize them. But I am thankful that I am starting to recall what I have read and is getting easier for me to search for His Words. My brother wrote me an email and asked if there is anything we as a family can do for Carrie. I planned to visit her in a few weeks time as she settles. Then I was reminded again how bless I am. Although I see a healthy life taken away suddenly but then I recalled the blessings the Lord has bestowed on my own family. My parents are getting older but they are still healthy and we are able to spend quality time together. Through the difficulties in our own family, we have grown to be much closer. I am reminded to not take anything for granted and to tell my family how much I love them each and every day.

As I read through the Daily Wisdom, the writer dedicated a verse to her sick friend. "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day." NIV2Corinthians4:16 And I know the Lord is not only speaking to me but to our Chief. For no physical disease can ever take away our inward renewel and that shall sustain us eternally. I pray for such renewal in each of us. And maybe this is what will put the meaning of prayer back into my life.