He does this in two chief ways: 1 He helps us overcome the lack of faith where we have given up hope, and 2 He helps us get rid of different manifestations of pride and self-confidence. We must strive as our life's goal to bring glory to His Name. This means we allow Him to do His work in and through us the way He desires. This begins now on earth but is perfected in His presence. This passage highlights the three levels of discipleship that each believer is designed to pass. Biblical Foundations for Freedom has many resources to help you train others at each of these levels.
Check out our who library of free resources for this first level of discipleship or go to our store! Paul J. Bucknell Follow PaulJBucknell. Looking for Revival? The teacher's dream! Learn about the first steps of discipleship! Discover the power of God's Word! Find out where Christ leads us! Redemption Through the Scriptures: Great biblical and chronological study!
In all our weariness, then, how do we get this strength? We may expect Isaiah to share the wisdom of physical rest, exercise, diet, and so forth. But while those are all God-given sources of strength, they cannot give us the deepest strength we need when we come to the end of ourselves. In other words, even those in their prime with perfect health have limits. We need a stronger strength to match our deep discouragements.
So, how do we get it? We acknowledge that we need the strength only he can give. And we wait for him, which is more than just passing time. In Hebrew, this word carries with it a sense of hopeful expectation.
In the midst of hardship, we look to him as the one who works all things together for our good. He carried the burden of our sin and judgment upon himself on the cross. He rose again and sent his Spirit to empower us and strengthen us in all our weakness.
The word of the Lord can do that for us, which all flesh cannot. The glad tidings of the coming of Christ were to be sent forth to the ends of the earth. Satan is the strong man armed; but our Lord Jesus is stronger; and he shall proceed, and do all that he purposes. Christ is the good Shepherd; he shows tender care for young converts, weak believers, and those of a sorrowful spirit.
By his word he requires no more service, and by his providence he inflicts no more trouble, than he will strengthen them for. May we know our Shepherd's voice, and follow him, proving ourselves his sheep. All created beings shrink to nothing in comparison with the Creator. When the Lord, by his Spirit, made the world, none directed his Spirit, or gave advice what to do, or how to do it.
The nations, in comparison of him, are as a drop which remains in the bucket, compared with the vast ocean; or as the small dust in the balance, which does not turn it, compared with all the earth. This magnifies God's love to the world, that, though it is of such small account and value with him, yet, for the redemption of it, he gave his only-begotten Son, John The services of the church can make no addition to him.
Our souls must have perished for ever, if the only Son of the Father had not given himself for us. They will walk and not faint. His judgements are just, and His promises are "yes" and "amen", for those that believe His Word, wait on Him, abide in Him - and He in us. At the end of Isaiah Chapter 40, we read some well-loved verses that have encouraged generations of Jews and Gentiles, through many centuries of time, " Youths may faint and grow weary, and young men stumble and fall BUT those who wait on the LORD will find new strength.
They will rise up high on wings like eagles. There are difficulties in life that overwhelm the strongest of people, fears that gnaw at the stoutest of human hearts, and young men who grow faint and weary. They stumble and fall because they rely on their own, inner strength and human resources, which are not a sufficient shield in the storms of life.
Only power from above is sufficient to sustain us. Only His protective hand can shelter us from the storms of life and not our own limited, human abilities. These words of comfort were given to Israel after Isaiah's repeated warning of approaching punishment if they did not repent of their evil ways, nevertheless He never goes back on His Word nor does He grow weary - and in His loving-kindness He gives grace to the humble and renews the strength of those that wait upon Him, by faith.
Although these words were addressed to Israel they have an application in the lives of ALL God's people.
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