“Fortified by God’s strength and love, we can change the world.”

 By Melinda Rose

“The Lord GOD helps me;

            therefore I have not been disgraced;

            therefore I have set my face like flint,

            and I know that I shall not be put to shame;

 he who vindicates me is near.

            Who will contend with me?

            Let us stand up together.

            Who are my adversaries?

            Let them confront me.

 It is the Lord GOD who helps me.”

Isaiah 50:7-9

Have you ever done the right thing and felt absolutely miserable? Life is hard. Often, making moral choices means painful repercussions. Relationships are strained. Opportunities are passed up. Loneliness and isolation reign. By protecting the rights of others, we feel marginalized and stigmatized. 

This passage from Isaiah reminds us that we are never alone when we do God’s will. Even when we feel abandoned, God is with us, supporting us. When life is overwhelming, God stands with us like a mighty army. Fortified by God’s strength and love, we can change the world. By doing the right thing, we serve as witness to others. By our actions, we show the world God’s compassion for all people. With God, we are like mighty oaks that remain standing despite being buffeted by storms.

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Lord God, You created us in your image and likeness. Help us to see Your face in the people around us during times of anger and isolation. Give us the strength to do Your will for, without You, we are nothing. Give us the determination to stand for the powerless. Give us the courage to trust in You. Let the work of our hands bring forth Your kingdom.