Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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The Sovereign God who is in Control

Isaiah 40:21-31


Dr. Anu Shinoi, Kochamma

Long Island MTC, NY

29 He gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless.

The book of Isaiah is one among the most important books of the Old Testament. The book is prophetic in nature and style. The 66 chapters of Isaiah can be broadly divided into two major divisions namely the book of Judgment (1-39) and book of Comfort (40-66). Prophet Isaiah warned God’s punishment and judgment on people of Judah and Jerusalem during 8th B.C.E. He urged people to turn away from sin and also to repent before God. He warned Judah that her sin would bring captivity at the hands of Babylon. But he also comforted them the hope that God will provide them a Redeemer. 

The passage Isa. 40: 21-31 comes under the section book of Comfort (Cha 40-66). Here a great assurance is given to the faithful in the context of future captivity in Babylon. Based on these verse let us meditate of two points:

1. God is in Control of Everything
Many a time we think that we have control over everything. Human always want to prove his/her supremacy and authority over everything. But we forget the fact that God is in control of everything and His understanding is indescribable.  One cannot hide himself/herself from God because God is the creator and the controller of everything. One has to accept God’s Sovereignty. He always works all things towards a specific goal. The prophet Isaiah says, “Lift up your eyes on high and see who created these? He who brings out their host by numbers, calling them all by name, by the greatness of his might and because he is strong in power not one is missing.” Through these verse Isaiah reminds the believers that ‘God is in control over everything.’

2. Commit yourself to God’s Sovereignty


As God is the controller of the world and everything, one has to submit himself/herself to God’s sovereignty. Isaiah here states the authority and dominion of God in relation to human’s inability and dependency. He reminds us God “does not faint or grow weary” but human beings on the other hand ‘faint and grow weary.’ Often youth is considered as the symbol of power, strength and regeneration. But here the prophet reminds that even the youths shall faint and be weary and young men shall fall exhausted.  The main message is ‘those who trust in their own capabilities and strength will faint and get exhausted. But one who put his trust and hope in God will not be weary nor exhausted nor faint.’ Prophet says “… they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles.” To wait for the Lord means to complete dependence and trust on God. So prophet Isaiah here urges you and me to trust and depend on God and not on our own abilities as those who depend on themselves will faint and go weary and those who depend on God will not go faint and weary. God will renew their strength. Jesus said, "Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matt 11:28-29).

Prayer: Dear Lord, make me humble to depend and trust on you and you alone.Amen!

 Thought for the day: “My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth” Psalms 121:2

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