Isaiah 40:27–31 (NKJV)
27 Why do you say, O Jacob, And speak, O Israel: “My way is hidden from the Lord, And my just claim is passed over by my God”? 28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. 29 He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. 30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, 31 But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.
Often, and especially when we are weary (this word is used three times > verses 28, 30, 31 of Isaiah 40), we begin to feel as though God has forgotten us.
What we need is a good dose of strength (verses 29, 31). God is fully aware of that and has provided three means of obtaining the same encouragement and hope He provided for Israel:
I. We need to THINK ON HIS PERSON (verse 28)
- He is the everlasting God – – He is eternal without beginning or end.
- He is the LORD Jehovah – – He is self-existent and sustains a very personal relationship with His people.
- He created this universe – – Is He therefore not able to help you? I will lift up my eyes to the hills—From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord,Who made heaven and earth. (Psalm 121:1–2)
- He never gets tired or worn out!
- No one will ever fully comprehend His understanding!
II. We need to THANK HIM FOR HIS PRESENT (verse 29) – – He gifts the weak with power and increased strength!
III. We need to TRUST IN HIS POWER (verses 30-31) – – This is provided for those who are willing to wait on the LORD!
The blind (from birth) prolific hymn-writer, Fanny Crosby, fittingly concluded with this appropriate prayer:
“Pass me not, O gentle Savior – – hear my humble cry!
Pass me not, O gentle Savior
While on others Thou art calling, do not pass me by.”
Author: Fanny Crosby (1868)
Tune: PASS ME NOT (Doane)
Published in 886 hymnals
Teacher - Feature 