Isaiah 50:4-9a

4The Lord God has given me
   the tongue of a teacher,
that I may know how to sustain
   the weary with a word.
Morning by morning he wakens—
   wakens my ear
   to listen as those who are taught.
5The Lord God has opened my ear,
   and I was not rebellious,
   I did not turn backwards.
6I gave my back to those who struck me,
   and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard;
I did not hide my face
   from insult and spitting.

7The Lord God helps me;
   therefore I have not been disgraced;
therefore I have set my face like flint,
   and I know that I shall not be put to shame;
8   he who vindicates me is near.
Who will contend with me?
   Let us stand up together.
Who are my adversaries?
   Let them confront me.
9It is the Lord God who helps me;
   who will declare me guilty?

The end is coming near, and the Servant holds fast, is seen as patient, follows the guidance of God.  Resilience best describes this scenario.  It is not heroism.  It is all about God.  The inner strength comes from that divine presence, that divine love. 

Have you ever been in a situation where you needed to rely totally upon God?  Have you ever had an experience of God’s presence that sustained you in what seemed like impossible circumstances?  Talk to us! 

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(Other texts: Psalm 70; Hebrews 12:1-3; John 13:21-32)