Faith Stretched

O. T. #1653  "Faith Stretched"
May 5, 2020
Isaiah 54
Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes. (verse 2)

LET IT GLOW

Is your faith being stretched like a rubber band during this pandemic? Are you ready for things to get back to normal again like I am? do you feel like you are going to pop if it doesn't soon? Hang in there friend. There is hope.

Previously, Isaiah had told Israel /Judah to repent of their sins of idolatry and come back to God. However, we know they did not do so and as a result went into captivity for 70 in Babylon, living as a slave.

In her exile and dispersion, Israel has been destitute, disgraced as a woman who had borne no children. The prophet calls for singing, however, because of the Lord's promise of future fruitfulness for the nation (verse 1). (MacArthur)

Can we sing God's praises during our bad times, uncertain times, fearful times, like our present day situation because of the pandemic? Is our dependence upon our god instead of our government to provide for us?


LET IT GROW


When the Jews return to Jerusalem, the desolate city would face a problem of overpopulation. They were to prepare for so numerous inhabitant that a larger space would be required. They returned in 3 groups: There were 46,697 returned under Zerubbabel's leadership, then over 1,754 returned under Ezra's leadership, and finally, an unknown amount returned under Nehemiah's leadership. so the Jews had to enough build houses for about 50,000 people in Jerusalem, not to mention the Temple and their business.

What instructions are given in verse 2?

• Enlarge the place of thy tent (house);
• stretch the curtains of thy inhabitation, spreading out your home;
• spare no expense;
• lengthen thy cords;
• strengthen thy stakes.

Have you watched someone set up a tent for camping? Perhaps you have even helped. The tent is secured by pegs in the ground, the ties are secured to them. And so it is with our life. God is telling us to enlarge our space of influence, stretch our faith and dependence upon Him. Stretch with more love, hope, and joy to others who need it.Don't spare the cost, whether it be our time, money, comfort. Be obedient to the Lord, focusing on Him and not our needs. Sing praises to God now, because He is going to bless our efforts and witness into overflowing.

It seems like this is where my husband and I are now in our walk of faith. He has preached at 3 different churches and we have sung at 2 different churches just within the last month. Our influence is being stretched out and so is our faith. It is a joy to meet with various congregations of believers while they worship in their cars on the church grounds or over the Facebook page.

Are you open to being stretched in your faith, walk with God, and influence?
Can you sing for joy praises to the Lord Jesus for what He has done, even if you are stuck at home?
Hold on just a little longer, it is going to get better.

LET IT GO

Father, You are so faithful and trustworthy.
Use us to share the love of Jesus.
Stretch our faith and influence for Your glory.