"Then and Now"

The Good Book says that when we’re weak,

Is when we can be strong,

And at this age to cowboy up,

That verse to me belongs.

‘Cause joints this old can sure get stiff,

And make you think about,

How fresh that pony might still be,

When you’re astride and out.

You remember how you used to bounce,

When you hit the ground,

But now it’s hard as concrete,

You pray you won’t go down.

Now you’d sooner rope and catch,

You still can pitch that twine,

But better if they string it off,

Not stepping down is fine.

Back then in my younger days,

They thought no way he’ll last,

And that’s because I had one speed,

And that was very fast.

And now I’m not the fastest one,

Lost most my recklessness,

I think and pray beforehand,

To avoid making a mess.

Still can do most everything,

But more deliberate, see,

And trust the Lord to give me strength,

To get things done and be,

True to God’s assignment,

And trust Him for the power,

To energize the things I do,

From daybreak’s early hour.

So when I’m feeling weakest,

I ask the Lord to give,

Strength that becomes perfect,

Empowers us to live,

The Good Book makes the promise,

And says it plain and straight,

We will get the strength we need,

If we trust in Him and wait.

So, yes, a little long in tooth,

And now not young like when,

But walk and run and even fly,

His power comes through then.

“He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless…” (Isaiah 40:29, NLT)

The Lord specializes in helping those who need it. He generously gives His strength and power, and energizes us to do what we might not otherwise be able to do. In fact, His assignment requires us to depend upon His grace to get it done. And that’s how it should be. The great prophet, Isaiah, paints a beautiful word-picture that reminds us that if we trust Him and wait upon HIm, we can be renewed and soar like an eagle on the wing. Remember, when you need it the most, He promises to give it to you.

Lord, help us trust You to give us Your strength, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Herman Walker, hermanwalker.com. Used by permission. Thanks, Herman, and God bless you.