October 2, 2020


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Today's Bible Verse
"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
Isaiah 40:31



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Today's Bible Study
Isaiah 40 is an encouraging declaration of the hope we have in God. Addressed to Israelites who were exiled into Babylon after the fall of their kingdom, the Psalm proclaims that God is with them and has a plan to restore Israel. Today's verse, which is from the end of the Psalm, promises that those who wait for the Lord will be given strength to endure. We'll break this verse down to understand it better.

It begins by defining whom it refers to: they that wait upon the Lord. "They" are distinguished by an action: waiting. Although it may seem unusual to think of waiting as doing something, in this verse waiting is not indicative of inaction--especially when you wait well--because it consists of rejecting anxious thoughts and the temptation to jump into action. Waiting upon the Lord means resolving not to move until He moves, which requires discipline sustained by prayer.

Those who do wait for the Lord will have their strength renewed. The verse gives several metaphors that demonstrate this strength: They will mount up (fly) with wings like eagles, and run and walk without becoming weary or faint. Knowing the Lord gives us strength--a supernatural strength that doesn't make sense to the world. It expands our perspective so that we can see past our period of waiting and fills us with the hopeful expectation that the Lord is going to move.


Think about the character of God. What are some of the words you would use to describe God? Some that come to mind are faithful, love, just, perfect, holy, mighty, good, powerful, and near. Now, look at the situation that you are facing; a situation where the Lord is asking you to wait. While you are waiting, and it feels like you are doing nothing (even though waiting is difficult), remember that God is ruling your circumstance and situation. He can be trusted.

Today, you can walk in the strength that the Lord offers you. When you call out to Him, He will give you the strength that you need … strength that surpasses all understanding and fills you with His perfect love.
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, please help me to wait well for you. Although I may struggle to have patience in the waiting, I know that your timing is perfect. Please give me strength and remind me of your perfect character. There is none like you, Jesus, and I want to serve you well, even in the waiting. In your name, amen.
Yesterday's Devotional
October 1, 2020
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Yesterday's Bible Verse
"Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not."
Jeremiah 33:3



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Yesterday's Bible Study
In this verse the Lord is speaking to Jeremiah, who is in prison. The Lord meets him there with a message of comfort, saying that he will see great and mighty things. He tells Jeremiah that Israel will be restored, and the glory of the Lord known by all. Let's take a look at what this verse teaches us about God.

First, it teaches us that the Lord meets us where we are, both physically and emotionally. The Lord was with Jeremiah when he was in prison, and He ministered to him by speaking kindly. He gives Jeremiah something to look forward to--seeing great and mighty things--and encourages him to remain in the faith.


This verse also shows that the chief encouragement offered to us as Christians is hope in the Lord. In the verse prior to this one, the Lord reminds Jeremiah that He is the one who made the earth. This tells us that, above all things, the Lord is mighty and powerful. He is in control of everything. At the same time, He cares about us intimately, as we see in today's verse. The Lord tells Jeremiah that if he calls unto Him, the Lord will answer. If we put the two verses together, we realize that God is infinitely powerful, but also infinitely personal. He works His power for our good.

Have you ever felt like Jeremiah … discouraged, feeling like God won't intervene? If so, remember how the Lord comforted Jeremiah. He came to him, gently and kindly, and encouraged him. If Jeremiah called out to the Lord, the Lord said that He would answer. The same is true for us today. Call out to the Lord. Remember the deep love that He has for you. Rest in his sovereignty, knowing that His timing is perfect and He is faithful.
Yesterday's Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for being a loving Father. Thank you for your faithfulness and for caring about us, your children, when we get discouraged. Thank you for the love that you show us again and again. Help us to remember who you are: mighty and powerful in all circumstances. In Jesus's name, amen.
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