Word for the Year: SISU- the burst of strength to overcome an obstacle and the enduring strength to persevere through a long slog.

What is facing you these days? Are you looking up at a wall that seems insurmountable? Are you walking down a path that stretches so far it fades to a point in the distance? SISU answers both, but the long path can be harder on us.

Seeing a huge challenge motivates us to muster our resources, and we remind ourselves that it will be over soon, we just need to get through this. The task is clear.

The long path gives us no reassurances. Maybe it will not end. Just how much strength is this walk going to take? What happens when the strength runs out?

“How long, O Lord?”

What a relatable question begins Psalm 13! We all want to know not only how something will end, but when. When can I stop? When can I rest? When will the hurt go away? How long, O Lord? I can make it if I just know how long.

But sometimes God doesn’t answer the question. Instead we learn something else.

How to keep walking in God’s strength.

How to rest on the road. How to find joy even though hurt remains.

How to trust that the strength that comes from God doesn’t run out.

Psalm 13 goes on to say,

But I have trusted in Your lovingkindness.

My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.

I will sing to the Lord because He has dealt bountifully with me. (Verses 5-6)

SISU is walking the long road but still trusting and rejoicing. 

My friends, I pray that if you find yourself on the long road, you will experience the renewing strength of the Lord. I I can pray for you on that path, please let me know.