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ePray | Lectio Divina: Ep. 39 Resilience
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ePray | Episode 39| February 2, 2026
Lectio Divina: Resilience
With Karen Bott – Youth for Christ Canada
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Lectio Divina: Resilience
Date: February 2, 2026
Scripture: Isaiah 40:29-31
Karen Bott
Part 1: Inward Focus
Welcome. If you are listening to this as a youth worker, leader, or volunteer, I want to begin by naming something true: what you carry matters-and it can be heavy.
Our theme today is Resilience.
I’m not talking about the kind that tells you to push through, but the kind that comes from God meeting you in your limits.
Let’s begin by settling ourselves before Jesus.
Take a few deep breaths. If you like, as you breathe in, pray quietly: God, you see me.
As you breathe out, pray, God sustain me.
Today, we’ll be reading from Isaiah 40: 29-31. As you listen, receive these words as someone God deeply cares for.
He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offers strength to the weak. Even youths will become exhausted, and young men will give up. But those who wait on the Lord will find new strength.
Where are you feeling tired in your role right now? Not just busy, but weary?
Pause.
What does it stir in you to hear God say that weariness is not defeat, but can be a place where he gives strength?
Pause.
Part 2: Outward Focus
As people who care for youth, we often carry young people into our hearts long after our program ends.
As I reread the passage, bring to mind one young person you serve. Someone who is anxious, overwhelmed, or discouraged.
He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offers strength to the weak. Even youths will become exhausted, and young men will give up. But those who wait on the Lord will find new strength.
What might God’s renewing strength look like for them? Not all at once, but gently, over time?
Pause.
How might you be a quiet sign of God’s strength in their life this week, through your presence, listening, or prayer?
Pause.
As you move into the rest of your day, keep this in mind:
Resilience is not something we can manufacture, and it isn’t the absence of struggle or pain. It comes from perseverance and from being deeply formed by Jesus.
Part 3: Closing Prayer
We will close with an ancient prayer for God’s peace and protection as we entrust ourselves into his care.
O God,
From whom all holy desires, all good counsel,
And all just works do proceed;
Give to your servants that peace
Which the world cannot give;
That our hearts may be set to obey your will;
And that we, being defended from the fear of our enemies,
May pass our time in rest and quietness;
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.