Saturday, October 25, 2008

He Lasts

Once again I've been asking the Lord what He wants me to read in His Word. Thankfully He isn't telling me to read Psalm 119 any more! Now I've been spending my time in Isaiah 40. Love Isaiah, probably my favorite book in all of the Bible. So, I was more than happy to read. For me it's not just a one time deal. I am usually to read it over and over until I hear something clearly. This is what keeps screaming out at me. Verses 28-31. And it's the way they are worded in The Message that really caught my attention.

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.

Love the bit of sarcasm and the rhetorical questions that come out in the conversational style of The Message. GOD DOESN'T COME AND GO. GOD LASTS!!! There is not a moment that He is not aware of what is happening in my life (or your life). He's not going to work in my life today and then take tomorrow off. He Lasts!! If I wait on God He will give me fresh strength. He wants to strengthen me. And that is not just for one day, this is strength that will allow me to soar like an eagle.

I am sorry if my sick sense of humor offends you in what I am about to say. But God knew what I would be facing this next week. He knew before He created anything. He will be with me as I go through these biopsies. And as I've told my friends...it is like a cow going to the milking machine. I've never seen such a contraption in all my life. Now, I got quite a kick out of seeing the table that the biopsies would be performed on. I know...I'm twisted. But really, who comes up with this stuff? A man obviously!! It really is funny. Please know that I am not joking about cancer, at the moment I am only have biopsies. And I have renamed myself Elsie for the next few days. (hopefully you know who Elsie is)

God Lasts. Through today. Through Tuesday and Wednesday. He lasts through my current illness. He lasts in the lives of my children. He lasts in my marriage. He lasts in my alone time. He Lasts! How cool is that? No need to worry or fret, He's got it!


16 comments:

Unknown said...

Sheryl,

Thanks for that. I really needed it!

Sheryl

Anonymous said...

Hey Elsie,(no,like Sheryl)
Wow. I love that! He lasts! i so love your writing, and humor! Don't think it is sick at all! If you can't change your situation, no use crying over it-might as well laugh. "A cheerful heart is good medicine but a crushed spirit dries up the bones" Proverbs 17:22

Thanks for your words of encouragement! Love reading your blog and will be praying for you this week!
mel

Kim in NC said...

Hey there,

Never read that from The Message. Wow, that's good stuff! Kinda slaps us in the face with a "duh" doesn't it!

And how is it not surprising that you love "the bit of sarcasm..."??!!

Great post!

Love ya',
Kim

UL Cards Fan said...

I must be SICK too because when I read what Melissa wrote about "no use crying over it" I immediately thought of the phrase "No use crying over spilled milk" ( the Elsie theme and all!)

I have recently been reading some passages out of the Message, especially after our Bishop used that version in his message about our conflict at church. The part that really stuck out was GROW UP.

Liked that translation from Isaiah also. Happy that David passed his test and hope your company provided some distraction from the upcoming tests.

Your prayer warriors are ready for this week. We all love you like a sister.

LINDY LOU (who's sarcastic like you)

Suzanne said...

Love all of your writing. Praying for you, my friend. :)

Kimberly said...

Sarcasm? What's that? So glad you are able to see God's hand in everything you are going through. Remember, three is the perfect number! I love you bunches!

Kimberly

Nicole said...

Dear Sheryl,

Please know that I am praying for you this week!!! God loves you sooo much! He told me to tell you that! So glad you are able to laught about it. Is it bad that I don't know who Elsie is???

I love Isaiah and because of this verse I really LOVE eagles! What an analogy that God uses!

Love you my friend! Amen to our God lasts!!!

Nicole

~Amy~ said...

and Praise Him for it. I am too weak to deal with my busy life. He is the one who sustains me. He is our source of strength.

Anonymous said...

Sheryl: Ok, I'm going to post. Thanks for sharing this. It's such a familiar passage but it comes alive in this version. I especially needed: "He energizes those who are tired, gives fresh strength to dropouts."

I'm believing Rom. 8:28 for this new phase of your journey. Waiting to see what good God is going to bring out of it.
Brenda

Paula V said...

I have been thinking of you, knowing of your upcoming appointmnents on 28th. and 29th.

I've never had a mammogram...my first next year after my 35th birthday because of family history. So, I can only assume the "table" for the biopsy is similar to the "table" for a mammogram.

Sorry, I also don't know who Elsie is. Maybe you can inform me. :-)

Your sense of humor didn't offend me. For real, how did "they" come of with some of the machines, techniques, and contraptions. Probably indeed a man, since it's not his breast. Wonder how testicle biopsies are done. Wonder if a woman had the privelege to invent that. Pay back...haha...JUST joking.

You have my love and prayers,
Paula

Laura said...

Sheryl,
Your openess is so wonderful. It reminds me again to be not just real before you, my friend but more real before my LORD and GOD.
You made me laugh and even though this is a hard time for you I am praying. Your friendship is so special and something that GOD definetely brought us together.
You are the bomb, ELSIE..

Technonana said...

Praise the Lord... He last!! Never sleeps, never tires, never leaves!!!
Gotta Elsie!!
Going for my mamagram on Wed.
Love You!!
Sharon

Anonymous said...

Sheryl

You have been on my mind in my prayers all weekend and will be all week.

I love your sense of humor. It's good to find the light-hearted side of stressful situations. Good for you dear.

Take care.

Love
Denise in TX

Joy Junktion said...

I'm praying for you girl, that God's peace would permeate your being the next few days.

And, hmmm, does it tell you how old I am if I definately know who Elsie is???

Bless you,
Cindy

Susan said...

Oh, you are so funny.

I love your sense of humor, especially now. What good medicine for your soul.

Praying you through this week Sheryl. God is truly with you...

PS I love Isaiah too!!

Susan said...

PS Thanks for your prayers when we needed them last week!!