Last week, we held Closing Convocation – an opportunity to gather as a community one last time and pause to remember God’s faithfulness. I shared and thought you might be interested to read some of my content.
I chose to address students who might have had a tough school year and ones who may be questioning God’s faithfulness, or simply questioning God. Today, that might also be you. I’m keenly aware that the last two-plus years have not been easy for teens, including ours. Just read these articles from The Atlantic or The Denver Post to better understand. However, there is hope.
I challenged our students to see if they might identify with either of these illustrations – Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike or captive Jews in ancient Babylon. For 3-year old colt Rich Strike, his odds to win were 80-1, meaning winning was a 1.23% possibility. Do you ever feel like “to win” in life is beyond possibility – against the odds?
Or how about the Jews in ancient Babylon? Their home and sacred Jerusalem had been destroyed and they were taken captive in what is now modern day Iraq. They wanted to be delivered from their suffering? And what holds you captive? What suffering do you want to be delivered from?
This is what God, through the Prophet Isaiah (Chapter 40: 27-31) says to us and to you.
Why would you ever complain…
or, whine…, saying,
“God has lost track of me.
He doesn’t care what happens to me”?
Don’t you know anything? Haven’t you been listening?
God doesn’t come and go. God lasts.
He’s Creator of all you can see or imagine.
He doesn’t get tired out, doesn’t pause to catch his breath.
And he knows everything, inside and out.
He energizes those who get tired,
gives fresh strength to dropouts.
For even young people tire and drop out,
young folk in their prime stumble and fall.
But those who wait upon God get fresh strength.
They spread their wings and soar like eagles,
They run and don’t get tired,
they walk and don’t lag behind.
