Jacob, why do you say, and, Israel, why do you assert:
“My way is hidden from the Lord, and my claim is ignored by my God”?
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the whole earth. He never becomes faint or weary; there is no limit to his understanding. He gives strength to the faint and strengthens the powerless. Youths may become faint and weary, and young men stumble and fall, but those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not become weary, they will walk and not faint.
As we focus on rest, one of the verses used is Isaiah 40:31, “but those who trust in (or wait on) the Lord shall renew their strength”. It is easy to recite without considering the verses that surround it.
From the passage, we see that God never becomes faint or weary. He is omnipotent (all-powerful) and our spiritual strength comes from Him.
When the passage tells us to wait, to rest, or to trust in the Lord, it is telling us that in our humanity that we will get weary, we will get tired, but when we rely on God, He strengthens us.
So often we rely on ourselves instead of relying on God. Rest in Him, expect Him to strengthen you to complete the purpose He has for you.
Discussion Questions:
- What does it mean to trust, to wait, or rest in the Lord? It is active expectation and hope in the Lord. When we have hope in the Lord, He gives us strength.
- Why do we need to trust in the Lord? Because He is all-powerful and never grows tired. When we are weak in our humanity, He gives us strength.
- What are some ways we can rest, or trust, in the Lord? Focusing on Him, praying, and reading His Word (the Bible)
End by thanking God for giving us strength during times when we are weak.
