Crisis ConvertedSample

Theme: God will carry you.

Crisis Converted Then:

The prophet juxtaposes two images. First, he portrays the idols of Bel and Nebo being carried on the backs of people and animals into captivity. Their weight is a burden on everyone. In contrast, is the image of God carrying the Israelites from birth until old age. God carries his people out of exile. This imagery of God bearing a heavy load (sabal in the Hebrew) is exclusive in the OT to Isaiah 40-55. In fact, three of the five uses of this word in relationship to God exist in Isaiah 46:4-7. 

Crisis Converted Now:

Throughout the stages of our lives, we are carried. As a young baby, we are carried in our mother's loving embrace. As a toddler, our dad carries us upon his shoulders. As we get older we are carried by our bicycles than cars. Later in life, we might be carried by our wheelchairs or, even, in times of need, by a stretcher. Yet, through it all God is the one who really carries us. He is the only one strong enough in every circumstance, on every road, through every day to carry us. Today, in this moment, he is carrying you.