Sometimes we read things in the Bible that don?t make sense. At least, not at first . . .

For example, Matthew 12:20-21 is speaking of Jesus when it says, ?A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. . . . In his name the nations will put their hope.? What do those words from the prophet Isaiah mean? Is it saying that Jesus wouldn?t snap a piece of grass in half or blow out candles? Not exactly.

Shepherds used reeds to make a certain small musical instrument. Once cracked or worn, it was useless, ready to be tossed aside. And a candle with a smoldering wick couldn?t produce much light. Most people would just snuff it out and find a better one. Both of these items represent people that the world considered useless, but who God wants to rescue, restore and use for His glory. Jesus won?t break them or snuff them out. Quite the opposite. He came to show mercy and compassion toward the weak. So if you?re feeling useless, this verse says that Christ refuses to give up on you!

It?s comforting to know that God understands our frailties and doesn?t demand perfection. That gives us hope in hard times, and is the message Will wants to take to the youth of Alaska in ?The Cure.? He tells Wooton that he feels called to help the kids who no one else cares about?the ones who have lost all hope. Just as sled dogs carried a medical cure through ice and snow to save lives in 1925, Will?s team is saving lives by carrying the spiritual cure: hope in Christ.