The snow is falling outside, and I’m snuggled inside luxuriating in the Old Testament book of Isaiah. As I’ve been leisurely reading through this amazing book of God’s Word, I’ve been writing down the various promises written by Isaiah. It’s been rejuvenating and refreshing to focus my attention on the promises the prophet writes. The Holy Spirit has used these promises to encourage and lift up my heart.

I’m guessing that after the craziness of the holidays, you need renewal as well. I’ve chosen 3 promises for you to focus on as you enter a new week. Here’s what I suggest:

• Read the promises out loud over yourself every morning.
• Memorize at least one of the promises.
• Pray the promises back to God.
• Praise and thank Him for the promises.

In these ways, you’ll be able to internalize these promises. As a result, I believe you’re going to feel hope and renewal rise in your heart.

Promise #1 – The promise of renewed strength.

“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. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles: they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:28b-31).

I cannot tell you how many times I have felt too weak to do the very thing God has called me to do. Yet when I’ve taken the next step in obedience, trusting God to provide His strength as I move, He has empowered me to do things I always thought impossible. If He calls you, He provides the strength.Interestingly enough, He never promises to work through strong people. He chooses to work through those who are weak!

Promise #2 – The promise of His almighty presence.

“I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, You are my servant; I have chosen you and not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:9-10).

As I have lived in many different places and even a different country for a while, God’s presence has always been there. Change can feel scary to people. There are a lot of “unknowns” during seasons of change, but there is one known you can count on—God’s presence goes with you!

Promise #3 – The promise of the Holy Spirit bringing fruit even when life feels barren.

“I will make rivers flow on barren heights, and springs within the valleys; I will turn the desert into pools of water and the parched ground into springs. I will put in the desert the cedar and the acacia, the myrtle and the olive. I will set junipers in the wasteland, the fir and the cypress together” (Isaiah 41:18).

Looking back on my life, it has often been in the barren seasons, the seasons of great trial and testing, when God has produced the most fruit. Don’t despise the desert, friend. There God gives supernatural springs of living water and brings forth fruit you never even dreamed of.

Friend, if you’re needing renewal, know that I am praying for you. Focus your attention this week on these promises and let God’s word saturate your dry soul.

Where’s Becky?

I am home for this week, writing, writing, writing!~

How you can pray:

Pray as I write this week. Steve and I are coming down the home stretch on the new book; Listen Well, Lead Better.

Pray as I prepare messages for the upcoming weeks.