Isaiah 40:31
Sermon on Isaiah 40:31: They That Wait Upon the Lord
"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength."
— Isaiah 40:31 (KJV)
Big Idea
The exhausted believer is not asked to muster more strength but to wait for God to renew it.
Context
Isaiah 40 is the great word of comfort to a weary, exiled people. Verse 31 is the climax of a chapter that begins, 'Comfort ye my people.'
Expository Outline (verse-by-verse)
1. The Greatness of God (v. 12–26)
- •He measures the waters in the hollow of His hand.
- •Nations are as a drop in a bucket.
- •He calls every star by name.
2. The Weakness of Man (v. 27–30)
- •Even the youths shall faint and be weary.
- •The young men shall utterly fall.
- •Strength gives out — every time.
3. The Renewal of the Waiting (v. 31)
- •Wait — active expectation, not passive resignation.
- •Mount up, run, walk — three speeds for three seasons.
- •Strength is renewed, not generated.
Topical Outline (one big idea)
1. What 'Waiting' Means
- •Trust, not idleness.
- •Continued expectation toward God.
- •Prayer that keeps showing up.
2. Three Speeds of the Christian Life
- •Mount up — moments of exhilaration.
- •Run — seasons of sustained effort.
- •Walk — most of life. Hardest of all.
Cross-references
- Psalm 27:14 — Wait on the LORD: be of good courage.
- Lamentations 3:25 — The LORD is good unto them that wait for him.
- 2 Corinthians 12:9 — My strength is made perfect in weakness.
Illustrations
- "Eagles soar by riding thermals, not flapping. Waiting is letting God's currents lift us."
Application questions
- Where have you tried to manufacture strength God wanted to renew?
Closing prayer
Lord, we wait. Renew us. Carry us. Amen.