Strengthening Exercise: Chin Lifts

...My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.

2 Corinthians 12:9

...My way is hidden from the LORD; my cause is disregarded by my God... (Isaiah 40:27).

These sentiments were spoken by Israel, but I suspect we’ve all felt this way at some point. Trials loom, and God seems absent. We don’t see God working for us, and we wrongly assume He has disregarded us.

This verse is tucked into some of the most encouraging scriptures in the Old Testament. God spoke tender words to Israel, knowing they would face heartache, loss, and exile, because they would turn away from Him. God gave words to comfort and strengthen Israel (and us) in times of overwhelming difficulty.

In Isaiah 40, God shifted Israel’s attention. In essence, He told Israel to stop looking around at their difficulty and look up! God says the same to us. Look at who God is! He and His holiness have no equal. He powerfully created and sustains the heavens. He is the everlasting God who understands all things and will not grow tired or weary. (Isaiah 40:25-28)  

God then told Israel to look forward. What could Israel expect? He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak (Isaiah 40:29). God promised Israel, ...but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength... (Isaiah 40:31). God’s message to Israel is the same message Jesus gave to Paul (and us): My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Our trials may remain, but we believers wait in expectation. As we wait for the glory that is to come, our hope lies in the certain promises of God. So do those chin lifts! Look up and look forward, while holding to the certainty of God’s sustaining character and the certainty of God’s Word. As we do this, our strength will be renewed.

Lord, use every trial we face to strengthen our knowledge of you, our faith, and our hope.

Jan Burkhart