“Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, ‘Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.’ Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert.” —Isaiah 35:3–7

When you think of a prophet, what comes to mind? Wise old man? Long gray beard? Soothsayer? There is some truth in all of these images. Isaiah for instance, told of what was to come for the exiled people of Judah. Yet deeper than “future-teller,” a prophet’s whole reason to be is to bring the Word of God to the people’s ears, which will do much more than predict—God’s word goes out and accomplishes what it says. So Isaiah tells of the promise given to Judah, and the world. He reminds us that the promise is not found in our own personal striving, but solely in the person of Jesus Christ.

In this way, while the prophet Isaiah is used to spread the word, Jesus becomes truly the last and ultimate prophet—because he brings himself, the Word of God (John 1), to us. He is both the message and the delivery, showing up on the world’s scene just in time to give sight to the blind (I once was blind but now I see) and hearing to the deaf (open our ears Lord!).

So now, the work that was once prophecy of what was coming has become proclaiming the work that has already been accomplished. So let me point you to Christ—not in what is to come, but to what has already happened on the cross! The world was judged, and found sinful. Yet Jesus died to save it anyway. And then he was raised so that you too might be raised up from your sin and death. During this season of Lent—when the early spring air can still feel awfully dry—hear the promise that gushes forth living water in our wild places, which streams through our dry, crackled deserts: “I have come that you may have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). Jesus is the culmination of all the prophets—the one who fulfills all prophecy, and he has come for your sake.

Pastor Jason Burggraff

“Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 4:6–7

Not too long ago, I was struggling with anxiety, fear and depression. I was trying so hard to keep everything together and perfect—motherhood, marriage, career, household, health, volunteer responsibilities, friendships, and even religion. Not only was I failing miserably, but I was missing out on God’s great gift of grace.

It is through this grace, I have learned, that we can truly have a peace that surpasses all our human understanding. God’s love for us is immeasurable, and there’s nothing we can do to earn it. He didn’t send his only Son to die on the cross so that we would eke out an existence of fear and overwhelming helplessness. Quite the opposite! Jesus died on the cross so that we may live abundantly. He is with us every single day and is constantly revealing the joy he has to offer. We just have to quit relying on ourselves so much and open our hearts to him.

Dear God, thank you for the grace you offer me at this moment. Deliver me from self-doubt and fear. I lift it all up to you, Lord. During this season of Lent, help me remember what Martin Luther said, “A man must despair of himself completely to become fit to obtain the grace of Christ.” Amen.

Shannon Peterson

“He comforts us in all our troubles that we can comfort others. When they are troubled we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” ––2 Corinthians 1:4

Music is always on in our home. It is the background for every moment, and my favorite songs, styles and bands enrich my life. On that note, I’ve been a fan of Michael W. Smith for more than 25 years. Since the moment I heard “Friends” at church camp, I’ve been amazed by how many of his songs are in tune with my life’s journey—the joys and also the lows. At his concert on Nov. 5, 2009, tears streamed down my face while the lyrics from “Let Me Show You the Way” washed over me with the healing power of Christ’s love. 

 “… I can see you hurting and it’s hurting me—It doesn’t have to be this way … this heart is big enough for the both of us—I’ll give you my love—If you give me your pain—I’ll hold it inside of me—‘Til you’re stronger again…”

We all have times when we feel weak, broken or hurt. Jesus wants to take care of us. He is here to provide what we need to mend so we grow closer to him. 

 “…I want you to know that I’m here for you now… Somebody gonna hold your head up… Somebody gonna show you the light…”

It was Michael’s voice, but my experience that night was that Jesus was talking to me directly. I got the message I needed in that live version of a favorite song. I am thankful there is one who is stronger than me who gives his love to heal me.

I also have memories of friends, family or a sermon providing support in times of need. All healing comes directly from Jesus who loved me enough to give everything he had so that I could be saved—the ultimate healing.

Praise heaven for Christ’s love which heals me. Thank you for the gifts and talents of others. I am blessed by each “somebody” that God uses to express the love of Jesus. Open my heart and continue to expand my faith to accept healing in all forms, so I can be the best comfort to others. Amen.

Heather Mueller

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.” —2 Corinthians 1:3–6

I was raised in a Christian home with two loving parents, one younger sister, and one younger brother. I was baptized, went to Sunday school and was confirmed at Dell Rapids Lutheran Church. In 1980, I joined First Lutheran Church and taught Sunday school. Yes, I knew God, but did I have a relationship with him? Do you have a relationship with him?

When I was 38 years old, I became really angry at God. Maybe you too have been angry at the Lord because of the death of a loved one, illness, divorce, loss of a job or some other reason. Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people? I was so mad I stopped going to church, stopped listening to anything religious on TV or on the radio. My husband made me go to church one Sunday, and the first song was “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.” I started to cry and left because I felt that Jesus was no longer my friend. The longer I was mad at God, the more depressed I became. The days became unbearable. I hated the day I was born, just like Job.

Thank goodness for my husband and parents and also for other Christians like my aunt and cousin. They were all praying for me and helped lead me back to the Lord. I discovered that God is not the author of bad things but actually the opposite. Everything God has created and does is for our good. We need to reflect on Jeremiah 29:11–12, which states, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me.” God might allow the bad things so we can have a closer relationship with him. Satan is always trying to win us away from our Lord. The Lord wants us to make up our own mind to love him. And that is what I did. I needed Jesus, so I asked him to come back into my life. Right away I started feeling better about myself and looked forward to the future.

Dear Father in Heaven, creator of all things, comforter of those who mourn, help us to comfort those around us who are hurting, who are grieving. Be with us as we mourn our sorrows and trials. Send us your Holy Spirit to heal our broken hearts and minds and make us whole again. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Debra and Daryl Crawford

“I will extol thee, O Lord; for thou hast drawn me up, and hast not let my foes rejoice over me. O Lord my God, I cried to thee for help, and thou hast healed me.” —Psalm 30:1–2

In the fall of 1993, with the exception of being two months from graduating from technical school, I was on the wrong path to nowhere. I was unhappy in my job of six years and running around with people who did not have my best interests in mind.

The hand of Jesus quickly put a halt to my destructive path and gave me the opportunity to change. At the young age of 26, I was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism. The on-call doctor told my parents and me that if I hadn’t gone to see my doctor that day, I would not have made it through the weekend. What a wake-up call!

It is by the saving grace of God and his unselfish gift of Jesus’ life for my sins that I am here today. God has a plan for each of us; we just need to slow down long enough to listen for his direction. I, of course, thought I had all the answers and knew what was best for me, but I did not.

I believe that God allows us to choose the paths we take in life, giving us the opportunity to listen for his voice, directing us on the path to him. We all choose a path in our lives, but after looking back, we realize it was not the path God would have chosen for us. But then he is with us, guiding us once again toward him. God never gives up on us!

Each year during Lent, I get emotional knowing the sacrifice God made for us and that Jesus knew his fate. I can only imagine the despair Jesus felt for his people because they had no idea of God’s plan. But, God is great! He resurrected his son, Jesus the Christ, so that we may have everlasting life.

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for Jesus’ healing touch and for always being with me on the many paths in life. Help me to continue on the path that leads to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Michelle Ahrens