Finish Your Race!

We live in a generation that wants to reap without sowing, wants the reward without sacrifice, and wants the blessings of liberty without discipline. It wants the trophy at the finish line without the trail of the race.

View Suffering as Discipline

God disciplines us because of His love for us (v. 6).

Discipline is training (like child training).

Scourging is correction to prevent harmful behavior.

God disciplines us for our benefit (v. 10)

The fruit comes at the end of the season!

Strengthen the Weak

Derek Redmond hamstring injury 400 meters 1992 Barcelona. His father helped him finish.

Be strengthened by vision of God’s glory!

To those who face attack God says, Isaiah 35:1-2, “…They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God.”

Be strengthened by the promise of Christ’s return!

Isaiah 35:3-4, “Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.”

Straighten Your Path

“Make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.”

We need to get our thinking straight. It is what we know and believe that controls our walk.

Isaiah 40 describes how to straighten our path.

Prepare the way of the Lord – the rough made plain, the crooked made straight.

We have a tendency to be crooked in our thinking, the world is constantly trying to push us off the path, how do we straighten the path?

Straighten your path by the knowledge of God’s Might. When the world cries, “Where is your God now?”

When we are in despair we need to remember the power of God.

Isaiah 40:10, “Behold, the Lord God comes with might, and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him.”

Straighten your path by knowing God’s Mercy. When despair of sin comes.

He promises to lead us tenderly.

Isaiah 40:11, “He will lead his people like a flock…”

Straighten your path by beholding God’s Majesty (His Greatness).

He measures the waters in the hollow of his hand, and stretched out the heavens…

Verses 14-15, who taught him or counseled God? No one, he controls the nations!!!!

Verse 25-26, Look up at the stars and see God’s power and majesty.

When you are tempted to think God has forgot about you … Wait upon the Lord and be strengthened!!!! (Isaiah 40:31)