"Brief Devotions For Busy Lives" By Rev. Dr. Mary B. Johnson: Isaiah 40:3-5

 December 14

​"A voice cries: 'In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.'" -Isaiah 40:3-5 (RSV)

​Have you ever felt like you were walking through a wilderness? We all can feel that way in hard times when our energy is low and troubles and obstacles abound. December can be a cold, challenging, demanding month. The "wilderness" in today's text is a picture of life's trials and sufferings. We aren't immune to these, but our faith shouldn't be hindered by them. Preparing straight highways means removing obstacles of despair, doubt, and fear and rolling out the red carpet for the coming of the Lord.

Isaiah told people to prepare to see God work and predicted a time would come when the Messiah would walk upon the whole earth transforming our wilderness to God's Kingdom. John the Baptist would eventually use Isaiah's words when he appeared in the wilderness in Jesus' lifetime challenging the Hebrews to prepare for the coming Messiah. Isaiah's prophecy shows God's power to create, provision to sustain, and presence to help. God is almighty and all-powerful, yet he cares for you personally. Even strong people get tired. Yet God's power and strength never fail. He is never too weary or too busy to help and listen. God's strength is your source of strength. If you ever feel life is crushing you and can't go another step, just remember you can call on God to renew your strength. Don't give up. Seeds of comfort often grow in the soil of adversity. If your life ever seems to be falling apart, ask God to comfort you and make a way in any wilderness season of life you may encounter. You may not escape adversity, but you can find strength to face it and experience God's comfort as you walk through it. God's truth and strength walks with you this Advent as you prepare the byways in your life to become highways for Jesus Christ to walk freely. Miracles are coming because God loves you!

​Prayer: Lord God, Prepare me for your coming arrival. Amen.

​Meditation For The Day: My Byway can become God's Highway.

​Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Winter Renewal Paperback – November 25, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)