November 27
Finding Strength
in the Storm
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Isaiah 40:31 (NIrV)
Toby loved playing outside with his friends. The sun was shining brightly on this particular afternoon, and he and his best friend, Max, were running around the neighborhood, playing tag. Toby’s laughter filled the air as he darted around, trying to avoid Max, who was determined to tag him.
But in the blink of an eye, everything changed. A loud bark echoed through the street, and before Toby could react, a large dog burst out of a neighbor’s garden, its teeth bared and eyes wild. The dog lunged straight for him, and within seconds, it had bitten down on Toby’s arm.
Max screamed as the neighbors rushed out of their house and managed to get the dog off Toby. But the damage was done. Toby’s arm was badly injured. His heart raced, and tears welled up in his eyes as he looked down at the bloodied sleeve of his t-shirt. He could feel the pain, sharp and intense, and he knew this was serious.
The ambulance came quickly, and Toby was rushed to the hospital. After several hours of examination and treatment, the doctors confirmed that he would need multiple surgeries to repair the damage. The thought of what lay ahead filled Toby with fear. What if he couldn’t play again? What if he couldn’t run with his friends?
As he lay in the hospital bed later that night, Toby overheard his parents discussing the dog. “Do you think they’ll put it down?” his mom asked. “What if it attacks someone else?”
Toby’s heart sank. He didn’t know what to think. The dog had hurt him, but was it really the dog’s fault? He couldn’t help but feel conflicted. He had been terrified when the dog attacked, but at the same time, he didn’t want to see the dog punished for something it might not have been able to control. Maybe the dog had been scared, or maybe it had just been acting on instinct.
That night, as he lay in his hospital bed, Toby closed his eyes and whispered a prayer. “God, I’m scared. I don’t know what’s going to happen. But please help me. Help me be strong. Help me get through this.”
It was a simple prayer, but it was one filled with hope. Toby’s mom came into the room, sitting beside him, her eyes filled with concern. She gently took his hand and said, “Toby, I know you’re scared. We all are. But we’re going to get through this together. And no matter what happens, God is always with us.”
Toby thought about what his mom said. He remembered hearing the verse from Isaiah in church before: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” He realized that no matter what happened, God would help him through it. He could be strong, not because of his own power, but because God would give him the strength to keep going.
As the days went on, Toby faced a tough recovery. He had to endure several surgeries and countless hours of physical therapy. His arm was in pain, and he often felt frustrated by how slow the healing process seemed. But with each step, Toby began to feel a little stronger. He started believing more and more that he could get through this. God was giving him the strength to keep going, just like the verse promised. He didn’t have to face this alone.
And as for the dog, the neighbors made the decision not to put it down. They took responsibility, and they made sure the dog was trained properly. Toby realized that sometimes things happen that we don’t understand, but that doesn’t mean we have to hold onto anger or blame. Forgiveness and understanding could heal wounds, just like God’s love could heal his heart.
Prayer:
Dear God,
Thank You for being with me through difficult times.
Sometimes life feels overwhelming, and I don’t know how I’m going to make it through.
But I know that when I put my hope in You, You will renew my strength.
Help me to trust in Your strength, to soar like an eagle, and to keep going even when I feel weary.
Please heal me, both physically and emotionally, and help me to always remember that I am never alone.
Thank You for Your love and faithfulness.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
