Walking
Dec. 14-20: Luke 1:46-55 and Isaiah 35:1-10
These passages give us a vision of God’s promised future, a world where deserts bloom and oppression ends, fueling our faith journey with purpose and resilience. Like a hiker renewed by glimpsing the destination, these texts encourage us to keep moving forward, aligning our lives with God’s way and resisting systems of injustice, just as Isaiah and Mary did in their own contexts. Their prophetic voices call us to active hope, sustaining our efforts with the assurance that God’s promise of peace and restoration is worth the journey.
There are 5 days of devotions each week to recognize that you might have other commitments, or maybe you are like me and miss now and again. Download a printable version of Week 3
Day 1: A Vision of Relief
Scripture: Isaiah 35:1–2
Reflection: Isaiah paints a picture of blossoms in the desert, a sign of life in barren places. This vision reminds us that God’s promises bring hope even in “dry” seasons. Relief is coming, and that hope sustains us.
Prayer: Lord, help me see signs of Your life in my wilderness.
Action: Look for one “blossom” today, a moment of beauty or grace, and thank God for it.
Journaling Prompt:
Where do I feel dry or weary right now?
What signs of God’s life can I notice today?
Day 2: Strength for the Journey
Scripture: Isaiah 35:3–7
Reflection: “Strengthen the weak hands, make firm the feeble knees.” God calls us to encourage one another on the journey. Hope gives us courage to keep walking toward His Kingdom.
Prayer: Lord, renew my strength and help me encourage others.
Action: Send a message of encouragement to someone who may feel weary.
Journaling Prompt:
Where do I need strength today?
Who can I encourage as we journey together?
Day 3: Mary’s Song of Hope
Scripture: Luke 1:46–49
Reflection: Mary rejoices because God lifts the humble and fills the hungry. Her song reminds us that God’s Kingdom reverses injustice and brings relief to the oppressed.
Prayer: Lord, let my soul magnify You as I wait for Your promises.
Action: Write your own short “song” or prayer of praise for what God has done, or write down three things He has done in your life.
Journaling Prompt:
What injustices weigh on my heart?
How does Mary’s vision of God’s Kingdom give me hope?
Day 4: Walking Without Fear
Scripture: Isaiah 35:8–10
Reflection: Isaiah imagines a safe road, a holy way, where travellers walk without fear. God promises a future where danger and harm are gone. This hope gives us peace in the present.
Prayer: Lord, guide my steps on Your holy way.
Action: Take a short walk today and reflect on God’s promise of safety and peace.
Journaling Prompt:
What fears keep me from walking boldly in faith?
How can I trust God’s protection on my journey?
Day 5: Fuel for the Long Walk
Scripture: Luke 1:52–55
Reflection: Mary’s song and Isaiah’s vision remind us of the destination. A world of justice, peace, and joy. When the journey feels long, remembering that Jesus will return renews our strength.
Prayer: Lord, keep my eyes on Your promised Kingdom.
Action: Write down one hope for the future that keeps you moving forward.
Journaling Prompt:
What vision of God’s Kingdom inspires me most?
How can I embody that hope in my actions today?