Daily reading: 12 December

Isaiah is speaking to a people who feel lost: captive, taken from their homeland, in exile, broken.

He is encouraging those who can feel the press of futility on them, who are losing hope, who are struggling to see what they can do to make something – anything – better.

With our hands we build, make, defend. With our knees we progress by both walking and praying. Isaiah is reminding God’s people – all of us – that we are not doing anything in our own strength, but that God himself will sustain us and give us the energy and capacity we need.

So much of our work with Christian Aid is standing alongside people and offering them strength. We help them access the encouragement and resources they need to stand firm, to take the next step forward, to make the paths straight for others to walk on. We also have opportunities to accept help and encouragement from others.

As you join in with this work – through giving, acting and praying – you are part of God’s work in the world, building resilience and sowing hope and possibility.

Think about how your own body is feeling – notice the aches and pains, where energy is sapping. Do some gentle stretching exercises to strengthen your own capability.

Think about someone you know who is struggling physically or otherwise and look for a way to help them today.

Where I am weakening, give me strength. Where I can offer your strength to others, help me do so.

Today’s contributor is Andy Campbell, a former London Regional Coordinator for Christian Aid.