Finding Strength In Weakness!
Findng Strength In Weakness • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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Introduction:
Introduction:
First Giving honor to God, for his goodness and Mercy
Giving honor to one of my favorite Pastors, one of the Tell It Like It Is Preachers this side of heaven..Pastor Y. Michelle Washington.
To Jones Memorial for giving me the chance to explore my gift in playing for a church back in 1993 in which I still have the Plaque Gloria presented to me for a 1yr of service
While under Mrs. Joyce I learned so much. “All things come of thee”. Because of you, I was able to bless many other churches
and now New Covenant has enjoyed the fruit of your labor for 21 years. because of you.
I remember 1993 there was an organ over here on the right and I had my keyboard over here, and as I was playing and teaching “Yes, I’m a Believer”, and while Tosha was leading that song an impression came over me saying I’d be back here again. Of course, I heard it but didn’t pay attention because I didn’t see how it would be true, But didn’t know that God was showing me my future assignment.
This is why this moment is so important to me, I’m now able to come and bring the blessing back to you in gratitude and thanksgiving.
Giving honor to the Moderator of the Central District of the Baptist Association, Pastor of the New Covenant Bapt. Church, My Pastor & Friend Rev. Robert C. Drake Sr.
To my Co-workers in the Ministry
To the choirs of both churches in which I’m the Proud Music Director, thank you for allowing me to bridge the two churches together through Anointed By Christ Ministries, which is made up of Members from New Covenant, Jones Memorial, Metro Gospel Music Connection and the original members of Anointed by Christ and others.
Last but not least Donna Mozee I wouldn’t be standing here if it wasn’t for her letting me know the need of a musician here at Jones Mem. I came to the wake of Rev. Jenett Sumpter, Donna came to me and asked if I knew of a musican or could I help them out. i told her i wouldn’t be able too cause I have service at 11am When she said that our service doesnt start till 12:30p something clicked and I knew immediately it was my assignment to be a blessing. I told her and the pastor if my coming in is more of a distraction than help, then I won’t do it. All good things are not God's Things. It has been over a year already 1yr and 4 months thus far.
Scripture Text
Scripture Text
Isaiah 40:29–31 “He gives power to the weary, and he increases power for the powerless. Even young people will faint and grow weary, and the young will stumble, exhausted. But those who wait for Yahweh shall renew their strength. They shall go up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not grow weary; they shall walk and not be faint.”
Prayer
Opening
Opening
The Book of Isaiah is a miniature bible, having 66 chapters that is divided into 2 parts
Chapters 1-39 are a message of Judgment and the Cost of Rebellion of Israel.
it also shows how God used the Assyrian and Babylonian Empires to bring Judgment upon Israel if they persisted in idolatry and Oppression of the poor.
Chapters 40-66 are a message of Hope in:
the fulfillment of God’s Covenant Promises
Future King From the Line of David (2 Samuel 7)
In leading Israel to the obedience of the Covenant (Ex. 19)
All of this was so that God’s Blessing could flow out to all the Nations, as promised to Abraham. (Gen 12).
This latter portion of Chapter 40 gives us comfort in knowing God hasn’t forgotten us.
Let‘s look at verse 29.
Isaiah 40:29 “He gives power to the weary, and he increases power for the powerless.”
Mercy Illustration:
Mercy Illustration:
In a small town, there was a humble and devout man named John. He was known for his unwavering faith and an upright man of wisdom.
One day, John found himself facing a dilemma. His neighbor had instructed everyone not to buy gasoline from the gas station on the outskirts of the town, for it was believed to be bad. The friend told him of his nephew getting gas from there and how it ruined his engine.
However, John was driven home one day and realized he needed gas immediately. He seen a the forbiden station was 1/2 mile down the road and the next station was a mile away. As he was approaching the forbidden gas station he felt his insatiable curiosity get the best of him. Despite the clear instructions, he decided to pull into the forbidden gas station, convinced that there must be hidden wisdom or treasures that his neighbor had purposefully concealed from him.
As John ventured into the store, he marveled at its major discounts on gas, snacks, water, and other convenient items. He grabbed a few snacks and began to pay for his Items and a full tank of gas. Unknown to him, God had an angel watching his every move.
John began to head back to his car and noticed a gas tanker was replenishing gas for the station. But he also noticed the car that left before him begin to spew out black smoke as it was leaving. He had pumped his gas and immediately had a flashback of the Neighbor’s warning not to get fuel from this Gas Station. The angel spoke with kindness, acknowledging the fear on Johns's face knowing he had messed up. God told the angel to reveal his disobedience and show mercy. The angel shared with John that the grade of gas he pumped had just been changed out with fresh gasoline as he was in the store. Humbled by God’s mercy, he realized the error of his actions and expressed deep gratitude for the unexpected teachings.
From that day forward, John became a messenger of God’s wisdom, sharing the newfound knowledge with everyone he knew. God’s act of mercy transformed disobedience into an opportunity for enlightenment, and the forbidden Station became a symbol of the divine's understanding of the human spirit.
In the end, the People embraced the lessons learned from John’s journey, and God’s mercy became a cornerstone of their faith, teaching them that even in disobedience, there can be room for redemption and enlightenment.
Isaiah 40:29 “He gives power to the weary, and he increases power for the powerless.”
The
Acknowledge Gods Devine Empowerment
The
Acknowledge Gods Devine Empowerment
1. Divine Empowerment:
The children of Israel are stuck in a dilemma, The prophecy of Judgment and Captivity on one side and Hope and strengh and deliverance on the other, but they are stuck in the middle of both.
They were stuck between Judgement now and Deliverance in Matthew.
This looks like a similar dilemma at the Red Sea.
Pharoh army behind us and the Red Sea before us
We know we're sitting ducks waiting to be captured and defeated, and you're telling me that the cavalry is coming, but the one thing you didn’t tell me.
WHAT TO DO, WHILE I WAIT?
Were already weary, worn, and spiritually torn....what do I do in the waiting period
The scripture begins by acknowledging the frailty of human strength, emphasizing that even the young may grow weary and the strong may stumble.
However, it introduces a transformative perspective—those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength
The songwriter says “Jesus knows all about our struggles, he will guide til the day is done, there’s not a friend like the lowly Jesus, No not one, No not one.
. This highlights the concept of divine empowerment, suggesting that true resilience and enduring strength come from a spiritual connection and reliance on God.
We quickly realize we can do nothing in and on our strength, cause it will eventually fail us.
The passage encourages us to trust in God's providence, reinforcing the idea that a patient and faithful heart will find renewal beyond human capacity.
If we live out what we sing: I will trust in the Lord til I die
If we live out what we Preach: Trust in the Lord with all thy heart and lean not to thine own understanding, in all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct your path.
If we live out what we pray: Let your will be done, let your Kingdom come, then we won’t have to wonder what to do cause we 1st will repent and make sure we are in the right standing with him, 2ndly we must continue to walk in what say we believe.
This lets us know that it’s God who provides strength to the weary and power to the weak. This conveys a profound understanding of human limitations and the dependence on a higher power.
Illustration of
In the vibrant town of Eldoria, there lived a young man named Aiden.
Aiden was known far and wide for his incredible strength and prowess. From a young age, he had exhibited exceptional physical abilities, winning contests and earning the admiration of his fellow townspeople.
His strength defined him, and he reveled in the attention and accolades that came with it.
However, as the years passed, a strange illness began to creep into Aiden's life.
At first, it was subtle—fatigue that lingered a bit longer, a persistent cough that refused to abate.
Aiden, confident in his strength, dismissed these signs, believing they were temporary setbacks.
But as the days turned into weeks, and weeks into months, the once-mighty Aiden found himself succumbing to weakness.
His muscles, once bulging with power, now atrophied.
The vibrant energy that had defined him became replaced by a shadow of its former self.
Aiden's spirit weakned as he faced a reality he never thought possible—his strength, the very essence of his identity, was now slipping away.
The townspeople, who once cheered for Aiden's incredible feats, now watched in sorrow as he struggled to perform even the simplest tasks.
Aiden withdrew from the community, feeling the weight of his own vulnerability. The once-strong young man became a mere shell of his former self.
As Aiden grappled with his diminishing strength, a profound transformation occurred within him. He began to see the world through new eyes—eyes that recognized the importance of inner strength, resilience, and the support of others.
In his moments of weakness, Aiden discovered a different kind of power—the power of humility, empathy, and the courage to face adversity head-on.
Realizing that true strength came from within, Aiden sought help from those around him. Friends and family rallied to his side, offering support and encouragement. Doctors and healers worked tirelessly to understand and combat the mysterious illness that had befallen him.
As Aiden embraced his newfound perspective and the strength of his relationships, something remarkable happened. While his physical strength remained diminished, his spirit soared.
The once-mighty young man, now humbled by his experiences, became a beacon of inspiration for the entire town.
In the end, Aiden's journey from strength to weakness and back to a different kind of strength taught him the invaluable lesson that true power lay not just in physical might, but in the resilience of the human spirit and the bonds we share with others.
The tale of Aiden became a legend in Eldoria, a story told to generations as a reminder that even in our weakest moments, we have the potential to discover a strength that transcends the limitations of the body.
When we recognize, that our strength ultimately comes from God and God alone. We are to humble ourselves and trust in God’s empowerment and Strength that comes from the most high.
God allows us to go through a waiting period as a faith check, making us look at the choices and decisions we made to get us in this situation and also to keep us humble.
Isaiah 40:30 “Even young people will be faint and grow weary, and the young will stumble, exhausted.”
What Renewed Strength Looks and Feels Like Isaiah 40:30
What Renewed Strength Looks and Feels Like Isaiah 40:30
2. Soaring on Wings like Eagles: The thought of soaring on wings like eagles in Isaiah 40:31 is a powerful metaphor for transcending earthly limitations. It paints a picture of us rising above challenges, achieving a perspective beyond the immediate struggles of life.
The eagle, symbolizes freedom and a broader view of circumstances. This leads us to approach difficulties with a perspective that goes beyond the immediate, instilling a sense of hope and resilience.
In other words: We that are walking in faith, don’t waddle in our mess, we set up and begin to thank and praise God in advance for how he’s gonna make a way. That’s. and eagle view
Looking over my situation not swiming in my situation. That’s Eagle view
Stand up and suit up. Ephesians 6:10–19 “Finally, become strong in the Lord and in the might of his strength. Put on the full armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the stratagems of the devil, because our struggle is not against blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Because of this, take up the full armor of God, in order that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand. Stand therefore, girding your waist with truth, and putting on the breastplate of righteousness, and binding shoes under your feet with the preparation of the good news of peace, in everything taking up the shield of faith, with which you are able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one, and receive the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, with all prayer and supplication praying at all times in the Spirit, and to this end b…”
We see victory in the midst of what seems defeat. (Do I have witnesses, that can testify I made it out alright
Is there a witness that can say been through the storms and the rain, through sickness and pain, but I’m still here
Do you have a Psalm 37:25 “I was young, but I am now old; I've never seen the righteous forsaken or his seek (children) begging for bread.” testimony???
For we realize that we are not soaring on our strength but the empowerment and strength of almighty God.
This scripture assures that those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength, and soar on wings like eagles. This will not work if you don’t believe.
I can tell a true believer in God, by how they handle adversity.
They try the spirit by the spirit. to see whether it's of God so that you know when to hold 'em, know when to fold em, know when to walk away, and to know when to run.
They don’t allow emotion to drive the spirit… they suit up on the wings to assess the situation from an eagles view
Putting on Ephesians 6:10 suit. and while I'm waiting I’m suited up and standing on his promise after I have done what I know to do while waiting on the lord.
As I trust in God, I will experience a revitalization of my physical and spiritual energies. Waiting on the Lord involves a deep sense of faith, believing in an anticipation of God’s timing and intervention.
He may not come when you want him, but he’s always on time.
The Promis of Endurance
The Promis of Endurance
3. The Promise of Endurance:
The scripture concludes with a promise of endurance—those who put their hope in the Lord will renew their strength and will run and not grow weary, walk and not be faint.
This assurance resonates as an anchor for individuals in the midst storms of life.
It speaks to the transformative power of faith, suggesting that a steadfast belief in God's plan will not only provide strength in the present moment but also sustain endurance for the journey ahead.
In summary, Isaiah 40:29-31 offers a profound message of divine empowerment, the ability to transcend earthly limitations, and the promise of enduring strength through faith. It remains a source of inspiration and comfort for those who are seeking strength in weakness and renewal in their spiritual journey.
The verse concludes with a powerful declaration that those who wait on the Lord will not grow weary: they will walk and not faint. This communicates the sustaining power of faith, providing believers with succumbing to fatigue or deaspair. Waiting on the Lord becomes a source of resilience, allowing individuals to persevere with unwavering strength.
In Closing:
In Closing:
Isaiah unveils a profound undestanding of devine empowerment, renewal through faith, and enduring strength derived from waiting on the Lord.
So the question is Who do you run to when your in the valley of decision?
Where do you run when the pressures of life is weighing you down?
Who do you turn to when you feel like your all alone and no one seems to care?
Where do you run, when you caused your own mess and cant seem to get out?
Well, you may not believe me when I say God gives strength to the weary:
I know in these days we must have data and reciepts to prove if something is true or false. Cause if you don’t you can get “CANCELED” really quick on these social media streets.
Can I call a few witnesses,
. Moses, the great leader of Israel, was deeply aware of his human shortcomings (Exodus 4:10). When the Lord called him to go to Pharaoh, Moses cried, “I’m not adequate. Please send someone else!” But God replied, “Go anyway, Moses, because I will be with you” (see Exodus 4:12–15).
Gideon’s story proves that God can accomplish great things through people who forget about their human weaknesses, trust in God’s strength, and obey His guidance (Judges 6:14–16).
Job was chosen to prove a point to Lucifer, that you can take my land.
You can take by cattle
You can take my family
You and even stike my body with illlness
You can evey take all my wealth
But: Job 1:21
Job 1:21 (LEB)
Then he said, “Naked I came out from my mother’s womb, and naked I will return there. Yahweh gives, and Yahweh takes. Let Yahweh’s name be blessed.”
Job 19:25 (LEB)
But I myself know that my redeemer is alive,
and at the last he will stand up upon the earth.
First Corinthians 1:27 teaches, “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” We must never run away from God because of our weakness but run to Him, letting Him equip and empower us to accomplish His will. We must remember His promise: “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 40:29–31).
When we are in a position of need, it allows us to see how much we need God (2 Corinthians 1:9; 3:5; 13:4). The more aware we are of our weakness, the more God can reveal His power through us: “We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves” (2 Corinthians 4:7, NLT).
God’s strength is made perfect in weakness when we put our faith and trust in Him. The Lord’s presence is all we need in times of weakness. His great power and sufficiency rest on us as we find our strength in Him, and He is glorified. We can say with the psalmist, “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (Psalm 73:26).
And, of course, our most notable biblical example, Jesus Christ:
Revealed his human traits In weakness on the cross
He was humiliated, in weakness
Was Spit on in weakness
Was whipped and beaten in weakness
Hung bled and Died in weakness
He was Hungry and Thirsty in weakness
He wept in weakness
He took our weakness of Sin and placed it on himself
Took it to the Tomb In Weakness
But Rose on The 3rd Day In Victory
Now Sits on the Right hand of God The Father In Victory!!!
Final Closing,
Final Closing,
I being a Musician, Songwriter and Music Minister, wil close this with one of my Favorite Gospel Artist: Richard Smallwood.
I being a Musician, Songwriter and Music Minister, wil close this with one of my Favorite Gospel Artist: Richard Smallwood.
Pinned lyrics saying: Lord I will Lift
Mine Eye to the hill,
Knowing my help
Is coming from you
Your peace you give me
In times of a storm
You are the source of my strength
You are the strength of my Life
I lift my hands in total praise to you.
Trust Yahweh with all your heart;
do not lean toward your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will straighten your paths.
Another songwriter: Michael W Smith
Give Thanks
With a grateful heart
Give Thanks
To the holy one
Give Thanks
Because he give Jesus Christ, his Son
And Now, let the weak say I am strong
Let the poor say I am rich, because of what the Lord has done for us
Give thanks.
The door of the church is open.
You say preacher, I gotta get myself together
God says chose ye this day whom you will serve
You say I’m in a valley of decision,
God Says: Cast your cares on me, for I careth for you
You say: Preacher you don’t know the things I’ve done?
God Says: I sent my Son to pay for everything you have done, and you can be forgiven if you trust me.
YouSay: God I’m tired, I wanna give up
God Says: Come unto me all ye who are heavy laden and I’ll give your rest, take my yoke and learn of me and I’ll give you rest
You can find peace in Jesus.
All you have to do is surrender your heart mind to he who made us
You are his child, and he’s not a dead beat Dad
To God Be The Glory!!!