By Keiko Chibana-Shinn | Rediscovering Prayer
Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received from the Lord‘s hand double for all her sins. Is. 40:1-2
The kindness of our God leads us to repentance. Jesus came to exercise the virtue of compassion and mercy. He came for the sick, for those who knew needed healing. We collectively, must call upon our God to heal our land. Let us pray that His arm would rule and reign over His people. When we contend in the name of Jesus for breakthrough, the strength from His hand comes at the right time to bring about transformational faith, a new form of courage, and a renewed perspective of the type of life and mission Jesus is calling us toward. The faith the Lord provides is supremely unique. There is no other faith that can measure up to the mighty name of Jesus. It’s a living faith that continually gives, moves, and delivers.
Faith can be found in so many things. We have faith in personal strength, in a good name, in a political party, in our anxious striving for material gain, intelligence, physical beauty, and even in our predictions of demise triggered by past disenchantments. But all these will weaken and eventually fade with the passing of time. The faith God provides fortifies and withstands every season. In time of drought, in sickness, and even in the effects of sin, God continues to fight for us. Our Father is never against us, He is forever for us. The Word says Jesus disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame by triumphing over them in Him on the cross once and for all. There are battles of different forms, sizes, and dimensions. But through them all, God sustains us by His might. Don’t lose heart, the fight is temporary. God will use what the evil one meant to neutralize you and turn it for your good to validate and increase your faith. The warfare will soon end and praise will arise with authority and power from our living God.
Our Father is God of double portion. He gives us immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine, according to His power working within us. He gives us His best, He gives His Son that we may not only be forgiven of past, present, and future sins but we are also given the the freedom to share in the abundance of His goodness and presence. Wait upon the Lord. His grace is our strength in order that we may live a life that radiates the same light that shines upon the Lord’s face. That light released by faith shames the effects of darkness. Keep on fighting the good fight by His Spirit. Maintain the integrity of your hope in Christ.
The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He 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.(Is. 40:29-31)
The Lord has not overlooked any one of His children. He tends to your every need and gathers you into His arms. Open your arms wide for His rescue. The battle is too strong for us, therefore it’s time to surrender to Him whose strength is perfected in our weaknesses. Tears may tarry through the night but joy comes in the morning. The weight of darkness can never occupy the position of God’s own glory and kingdom purposes. Wait for Him with expectancy of His faithfulness to overcome as you surrender to His will. God will not grow weary and neither will you. Open your heart wide just as He carries you in His and receive double portion of God’s great love for you. Take comfort, your Father is willing and ready to refresh you!
Prayer: Lord, I surrender my all to you. My strengths and weaknesses are yours. I wait on You. Let your Spirit come. Execute your plans and purposes for my life. You are faithful to do it Lord. I receive from you a double portion of your love, faith, and strength. Multiply the work of my hands by your grace that your name be glorified. I open my heart wide, come and refresh me in your presence through your Word and Spirit. You love me and care for my every need. Let praise arise in the waiting. I ask for supernatural strength to overcome that you may receive all the glory, honor, and praise! Thank you for reviving my heart today.