{"id":34808,"date":"2022-11-26T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-11-26T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.barnabastoday.com\/?p=34808"},"modified":"2022-12-09T16:57:44","modified_gmt":"2022-12-09T16:57:44","slug":"faith-devotionals-lifted-up","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.barnabastoday.com\/2022\/11\/faith-devotionals-lifted-up\/","title":{"rendered":"Lifted Up<\/strong>"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Read Isaiah 40:1\u201331 <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2018He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.\u2019 (vv29\u201331)<\/em><\/pre>\n\n\n\n
Many believers find themselves in a place of discouragement, perhaps weary from criticism, seeing little fruit for their labours, or struggling with past failures and guilt. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In our text today from Isaiah chapter 40, the Lord wants to encourage His despondent people<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
He does this by giving them two perspectives. One is a realistic view of themselves, the other is a realistic view of just who He is. These two perspectives are also important for us to keep in mind. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A skewed vision of ourselves might lead to over-confidence in our own abilities, a skewed vision of God can lead to doubt and despondency. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Isaiah 40 tells us several things about ourselves \u2013 we are imperfect and sinful (vv1\u20132<\/a>), frail (vv6\u20137<\/a>), and our knowledge of God is limited (vv12\u2013 14<\/a>). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yet, in comparison, the Lord consoles us and deals with our sin (vv1\u20132<\/a>), He is glorious (v5<\/a>), His Word is enduring (v8<\/a>), He is Sovereign (v10<\/a>), He carries us close to His heart (v11<\/a>), He is unfathomable (v13<\/a>), incomparable (v18<\/a>), all-powerful (vv21\u201324<\/a>), and eternal (v28<\/a>). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ultimately, we can be encouraged that it is this God that renews our strength and lifts us up (v31<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n
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\"prayer-to-make-icon\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
A PRAYER TO MAKE:<\/strong>
\u2018Lord, give me a true perspective of who I am and who You are. May I depend on You in all situations. Amen.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n