Our world is filled with uncertainties. The economy is tanking, jobs are being lost, businesses are being lost, and homes are being lost. Some might add that the world's not in great shape and neither is my life. I am crisis.
Life is a journey. It's like taking a walk from one place to another. In the routine of life, we're most likely to grow faint. If we make our life about being in God's presence -- hoping, waiting, expecting -- we will have the energy to thrive in our day-to-day life. You will be able to love those difficult to love, patience you didn't know you had, feel optimism you never felt, experience peace you never knew, and encounter joy too profound to put into words.
In God's presence you experience God's power. It is in His power to help you achieve your full potential. He will breathe new life into your troubled spirit and wipe away the pain of the past. He will empower you to fly like an eagle. He is the secret to new life.
WHAT HAPPENS IN HIS PRESENCE?
Isaiah 40:27-31
I. HOW WE RESPOND TO DIFFICULTIES
A. Run - if we get enough distance from the problem then the problem will disappear.
B. Escape - I'll do something that can take my mind off the mess my life has become.
C. Deny - Being overly optimistic can be just avoiding dealing with the problem.
D. Give Up - I'll disown the whole situation and quit trying.
II. THREE CRUCIAL AND HELPFUL STEPS
Honesty requires you to take responsibility for your situation.
Resolve to stop being part of the problem, and be a part of the solution.
1. God Hasn't Given Up On You Or Your Situation.
Why do you say, O Jacob, and complain, O Israel, "My way is hidden from the Lord; my cause is disregarded by my God?" (v. 27 NIV)
Israel felt God had forgotten their cause.
v. 28 NIV Do you not know? Have you not heard? 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.
God does not want you to fail.
2. Your Second Wind Comes From Being Alone With God.
...those who hope in the Lord... (v. 31) NIV
When your situation takes a turn for the worse, get in God's presence and spent time with him.
... You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. (Psalm 32:7)
God responds I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. (Psalm 32:8)
3. God's Power Is Your Greatest Potential.
(v. 31) They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah is talking about increasing your capacity.
Running symbolizes endurance.
Walking symbolizes the simple routine of daily life.
In God's presence, there is power to achieve your full potential.
