Our Big God
This past Sunday we settled in on the couch for online church. We have been following a series in Ephesians but this week the preview said, “A stand-alone message with guest pastor.” Not sure what to expect, we sat back and listened.
From the opening sentence we were thoroughly engaged. His opening question?
What do you do when there’s no fix?
He used many present-day examples and then took us to…
Isaiah 40
Pastor Brad had the church stand up and he read Isaiah 40 from the New King James Version with such passion and drama that when he was finished I exclaimed, “GLORY!”
It’s not that long, 31 verses and every single one is power packed. Read it, please.
After the Doom & Gloom
After the doom and gloom of Isaiah 39, Isaiah speaks comforting words to God’s people. Chapter 39 is warning of captivity and losing all to foreign captors. It is not good nor encouraging news. But Isaiah is given words of comfort to deliver and this chapter 40 paves the way for the remainder of the Book of Isaiah.
“Comfort, yes, comfort My people!” Says your God. “Speak comfort to Jerusalem, and cry out for her, that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned; for she has received from the LORD’s hand double for all her sins.” Isaiah 40.1-2
What Brings Hope
You know my ears perked up when he mentioned hope! The very same thing that brought hope to the Israelites back then, brings us hope today in 2021.
God’s Word.
Isaiah reminds us…
The grass withers, the flower fades, but The Word of our God stands forever. Isaiah 40.8
The What vs. The Who
The what? All of the unpleasing circumstances in life. Shall we name a few? Pandemics. Mandates. Politics. Platforms. Theories. And, I’m sure you can make your own list.
The Who? Our sovereign God. Our God is never taken by surprise. He is never frustrated. He is never overly worried. IF He slept, He wouldn’t lose any sleep.
GAKAT…God Already Knew/Knows About This/That.
I’ll bet on The Who every single time!
Do You Know Him?
It’s the question of this age. Do you know Him? Not just ‘know about Him’ but do you know The One…
Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand?
Who has measured heaven with a span and calculated the dust of the earth in a measure?
Who has weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a balance?
Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD or has taught Him?
Who taught Him [the Spirit] in the path of justice? Knowledge? Understanding?
Who considers the nations as drops in a bucket?
This is The One who will deliver us and give us the promises of His Word. We are mere pilgrims, foreigners, visitors, travelers and strangers plodding on this planet – awaiting the coming of the King.
In Closing
Pastor Brad saved the best for last. This is the part that became revelation to me. The scripture can be found on stationery, tees, coffee mugs, and plaques but have you ever considered the order in which Isaiah wrote these words:
But those who wait on [hope in] The LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles [and soar], they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40.31
One would expect walking first, then running, then soaring – BUT GOD, He has it so right!
When we first trust and know our Lord personally – we are soaring like eagles. Nothing can take our enthusiasm and excitement.
Then, we settle into a good run. We are jogging along, learning all about Him and His goodness.
Then, in our later years, we slow to a nice, steady walk – we walk with Him and talk with Him – we don’t become unglued or rattled and we surely don’t faint.
God had it right all along, didn’t He?
Today? I am enjoying the walk.
How about you?
I LOVE THIS! Oh, yes, Susan……….I surely do.
Your words ring so true. It was no coincidence that you were viewing that message huh? Nope.
I AM enjoying the walk. Walkin’ with the King. Hallelujah!
Kathy
I adore epiphany moments!
Walking slow n steady knowing our God will be enough. Hope springs eternal❤️ CONGRTS on retirement
Thanks Mer’ I know you are enjoying the walk!
Susan, the last few days I have come to realize how dark it was in the days when God’s people were waiting for the Messiah to come. No different than the days we find ourselves in. But one thing remains the same – our Savior will come. He comes to us each time we breathe out a prayer. He comes to us each time we need Him.
And now I find myself humming …
“Just a closer walk with Thee
Grant it, Jesus, is my plea
Daily walking close to Thee
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.”
xo
Amen to all of that, Jo. He is with us. Immanuel.
xoxo
Love this post, Susan. I had never thought about the order that is in Isaiah 40:31 of Soaring, running, and walking and comparing that to life’s journey. Wow! I’m going to be thinking on that today. Thanks for sharing this encouraging word!
Leslie, isn’t it profound? I just love it!
Walking…yes indeed, I’m walking…
Yup, just steadily walking.
I’m thankful that when we wait upon Him, He renews our strength. He is so faithful!
Whether we are soaring, running, or walking!
Susan, I so agree with you. The walk is priceless because our Savior is a faithful, trustworthy Savior! I had surgery a few days ago but there were complications. Recovery may be slow and there may be no “fix” for the original problem, but I know my God will give me any wisdom I need and all the grace necessary! Thanks for your gracious, encouraging words!
Donna – we have a God we can trust. I had a big medical issue this past August – congestive heart failure! So I know how you are feeling right now. But God… Praying right now for you, Donna.
GAKAT! I need to add this to my vocabulary and remind myself often!
Lauren, I have it inked on my right wrist so I never forget!!!
I just might change my thinking about getting older if I think about like walking with Jesus. Not running, not chasing, just walking with him. But that doesn’t mean we don’t get to soar with Him, too. Yay for that!
Don’t you just love that?
Susan, I’ve never viewed Isaiah 40 quite like this before. And I’ve certainly never considered that God had “run” before “walk.” I like your take on that. YOu’ve given me lots to ponder today. 🙂
Then, I have succeeded! (xo)