“He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.” 

Isaiah 40:29

Physically exhausted and emotionally drained – can you identify with these symptoms?  Perhaps you are worn-out after a season of care giving, a college paper, a missions trip, or pressing work deadline?  We all face circumstances in life where it feels like we can’t go on any more.  To whom do you turn to in those times?

Isaiah 40:28 speaks of the majesty of our God. He is everlasting, Creator of the earth, who has endless wisdom and, on top of it all, He isn’t tired or worn out!  In the presence of such unfathomable awesomeness the beauty of Isaiah 40:29 is revealed. “He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.” It is humbling to imagine that the Lord of Creation would have such compassion on humanity.

What comes to mind when you hear the word faint? Perhaps someone who is about to pass out after a race? Strong’s concordance further expounds on the word as one who is weary, fatigued, or exhausted. Merriam Webster Dictionary describes faint as “lacking in vigor.”  To “have no might” means pretty much just that – to have no force, power, or strength.

But it doesn’t end there!  “He gives power…” vigor, physical might, mental or moral efficacy. “He increaseth strength….” Enlarges, multiplies, and gives in abundance.  “… He increases strength – causing it to multiply and making it abound” (Amplified Bible).

Pretty awesome promises if you ask me! “But these promises are only for those who are doing His work on the mission field or in the pulpit.  I mean, let’s face it, my every day challenges are not that important to Him, right?” Wrong! God is not a respecter of persons (Acts 10:34).Yes, even to our simple lives He is there to bestow these blessings of power and strength in every area: spiritually, emotionally, and physically.  We do not – we cannot– earn His favor.  It is a gift. All Jesus asks is for us to come. “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heaven laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29). As we are with Him, He has promised to be our good Shepard. Psalm 23 beautifully portrays the Father’s heart of care, compassion, and love. “He restores my soul: he leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake” (verse 3).

This amazing gift is not only given to us for our personal wellbeing, but rather, it is entrusted to us for others’ benefit.  “…freely ye have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8). As we walk in His power and strength, let us live out Isaiah 61:1-3 to a world that is full of exhausted, weak, and hurting people.  “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; …to preach good tidings unto the meek; … to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;… to comfort all that mourn;To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.” 

So the next time you feel worn out, remember Isaiah 40:29 “He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength” and spend time with your Source of strength!

~Laura Barth