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Day 5 - Thursday, December 4, 2025
He will judge between the nations and settle disputes for many peoples.
They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks.
Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.
Isaiah 2:4
I feel like I have carried a heaviness in my heart for many years. I have always been an advocate for those who experience hardships or are marginalized and a belief that humanity has more in common than different; that we are born with a heart that is compassionate and generous, wanting to do good and do no harm.
However, in recent years, this heaviness has intensified. I feel and observe greater division and hostility within the world and the universal body of Christ – idolization of power and greed, harming one another through our words and actions, building walls instead of bridges, and more groups being ostracized, even banished. What has happened to the gospel of Jesus Christ?
During the government shutdown, I struggled with not allowing my emotions to overwhelm me. The division of our nation suddenly became personal. Being a federal employee, I was feeling anger, resentment and bitterness with being furloughed. I already lost my sense of peace and security with the disrespect and attack on federal workers.
However, after a few days, I realized this would not do me any good. Instead, I chose to face the situation with love and gratitude, relying on the love, grace and spirit of God. I started posting Scripture passages on my Facebook page every day as a source of hope…messages of God’s power and majesty, faithfulness and kindness, justice and mercy.
I also made a conscious choice to use the shutdown as a time of self-care, not something I often prioritize. Slowly, my heart softened and I began praying for our leaders and representatives to have open hearts and open minds, seeking goodness for our country and to treat one another with courtesy and respect.
I believe this is what the prophet Isaiah is telling us. Putting God above all things and seeking God’s will, we open ourselves to be transformed. Here God transforms weapons (swords, spears) into useful farm tools (plowshares, pruning hooks). We must be open to receiving guidance and nudges from the Holy Spirit. Romans 12:2 reminds us not to conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Then we will be able to test and approve what God's will is. Yet, this is only possible if we are connected to God. We must go up to the mountain of the Lord and wait in anticipation for what we will learn. We cannot comprehend the abilities of God, yet we are to be vessels of God’s power, patient and obedient in what is to come.
Prayer: Gracious and generous God, we give you thanks for being patient with us in times of discouragement and fear. We trust that you are above all things and wait in anticipation for you to reveal yourself to us. Give us the courage and strength to be transformed into your image so that we may see your kingdom here. Our hope is in you and the birth of your son, Jesus Christ, who restores and reconciles us with God and one another. Amen.
Submitted by Kristin Weschler
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