Be Encouraged

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Scripture: Isaiah 35:3-7 (ESV)

3  Strengthen the weak hands,

and make firm the feeble knees.

  4     Say to those who have an anxious heart,

“Be strong; fear not!

       Behold, your God

will come with vengeance,

       with the recompense of God.

He will come and save you.”

  5     Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,

and the ears of the deaf unstopped;

  6     then shall the lame man leap like a deer,

and the tongue of the mute sing for joy.

       For waters break forth in the wilderness,

and streams in the desert;

  7     the burning sand shall become a pool,

and the thirsty ground springs of water;

       in the haunt of jackals, where they lie down,

the grass shall become reeds and rushes.

 

Devotion:

            The church in the West is under pressure these days. It seems as though all things have conspired against the Lord and His church. Today’s scripture speaks hope into our situation. God knows that His people need encouragement if they are to be faithful in working for Him. So, He inspired Isaiah to write these words. Although these words were originally addressed to a people facing hardship and exile, they can be applied to us today as we seek to live out God’s call on our lives.

 

            These words foreshadow the wonders that Jesus worked when He came 2,000 years ago. Yet they can be seen as promises even in today’s time and place. When Jesus comes again to judge the living and the dead there will be great signs and wonders accompanying His return. Many will turn from their sin and believe. True, there will be some who refuse to believe no matter what, but God will add to the number that will be saved in those days.

 

            As we wait and prepare our hearts in this advent season we should be encouraged in our faith. No matter what happens to us God is able to strengthen us for the battle ahead. We must turn our anxious hearts to the Lord so that we would be free from fear and anxiety. We should leave vengeance to the Lord because He is able to be perfectly just when He repays the enemies of our soul for what they have done to us. When He comes, he will save us regardless of how beaten down and discouraged we may become. So, take heart for your Lord reigns and He will deliver us no matter what.

 

Prayer:

            Lord, we rejoice because you have promised us the ultimate victory over all our opponents. Grant that we may wait patiently for your return knowing that you will keep all your promises to us. Lord, help us to serve you with joy and great love as we seek to bring many people into your kingdom. May we have courage to speak the truth to our culture. May we know your divine approval as we seek to advance your kingdom in the world. Amen.

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