“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” — Isaiah 40:31
When the Storm Hits
Weddings are supposed to be joyful, memorable beginnings. For one Texas couple, Kasydee and Hunter Bishop, that joy was quickly tested. They had just said their vows and boarded a plane for their dream honeymoon in Montego Bay, Jamaica. But soon after landing, Hurricane Melissa formed and turned directly toward the island. Flights were canceled. The windows were boarded up. The Bishops were stranded, waiting for impact.
Hunter told reporters, “We just really have no idea what to expect right now.” That line could describe so many moments in life—when the skies darken, the winds pick up, and you suddenly realize you’re not in control.
How do you prepare for a coming catastrophe? That’s the question Isaiah 40 answers.
Comfort in the Chaos
In Isaiah 39, King Hezekiah made a critical mistake. When envoys came from Babylon, he proudly showed them all his treasures—the gold, the silver, even his armory. Isaiah warned him that Babylon would one day return to take it all. A storm was coming for Judah.
And yet, the very next chapter opens with this astonishing word from God:
“Comfort, comfort my people,” says your God.
Even when the storm is self-inflicted, God offers comfort. He forgives sin, reveals His glory, and promises to shepherd His people home. Isaiah 40 paints the picture of a God who gathers His lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart (v. 11). That is who He is—a God who comforts us, even when we’ve brought the storm upon ourselves.
King of Creation — and the False Gods We Trust
But Isaiah doesn’t stop with comfort. He reminds us that the God who forgives is also the King of Creation—the One who measured the oceans in the hollow of His hand and weighed the mountains on His scales. No one counsels Him. No one rivals Him.
Then Isaiah exposes the absurdity of idolatry. The nations around Judah worshiped gods of gold and wood—handmade idols they had to prop up so they wouldn’t topple over. Isaiah asks, “To whom will you compare God? An idol?” (v. 18). The craftsman carves it, the goldsmith decorates it, and the poor man chooses wood that won’t rot. These “gods” are powerless, yet people trust them for security.
Before we laugh too hard, Isaiah’s words confront us too. We may not bow before statues, but we still chase modern idols—success, wealth, technology, influence, control. When catastrophe comes, these idols can’t save us. They can’t hold us when the hurricane hits. Only the living God—the Creator of heaven and earth—has that kind of power.
Strength for the Weary
After tearing down false gods, Isaiah points us back to the true source of strength. The same God who calls the stars by name also calls you by name. He never grows weary. And when you feel faint, He offers His strength.
Then comes that breathtaking promise:
“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles…”
To “wait” in Hebrew (qāwâ) means to trust expectantly—to let go of control and depend completely on God. Those who wait on Him exchange their worn-out strength for His limitless power. Like an eagle catching the wind, we soar—not because the storm disappears, but because God lifts us above it.
So, what storm are you facing today? What idols are you tempted to trust when life feels out of control? Isaiah invites you to release them—to stop striving, stop clinging to false security, and wait on the Lord.
When you do, you’ll find comfort in catastrophe, strength in exhaustion, and faith that flies above the storm.
Reflection:
What “idols” do you tend to rely on when life feels chaotic? How might God be calling you to lay them down and wait on Him instead?
Bible Reading Plan:
- Day One: Isaiah 39
- Day Two: Isaiah 40:1-11
- Day Three: Isaiah 40:12-31
- Day Four: Psalm 27
MBC's Bible Engagement Plan
MBC’s Bible Engagement Plan: Isaiah – From Ruin to Redemption
As a church community, our desire is to move from hearing God’s Word to living it out daily. This Bible Engagement Plan is designed to help us walk through Isaiah together in a weekly rhythm that deepens our understanding while also cultivating habits of daily reading and reflection.
- LISTEN TO THE SUNDAY SERMON
Each week begins with the Pastor’s Sunday sermon on a passage from Isaiah and includes
- Pastor’s Outline: A guide to follow along and take notes. We also suggest picking up the Isaiah scripture journal from the Welcome Center.
- Discussion Questions: Provided to encourage reflection and conversation in small groups, families, or personal study. If you are not already part of a small group, consider joining one this Fall: Click here to explore one of MBC’s small groups
- READ AND REFLECT ON THE WEEKLY PLAN
Monday through Saturday, follow the suggested reading plan outlined in the Saturday eNews Bulletin. As you read and reflect on your passage each day, ask these two guiding questions and jot down your thoughts in your Isaiah journal.
- What does this passage reveal about God—His character, His purposes, or His promises?
- How should I respond in light of what I’ve read—through trust, obedience, repentance, or worship?
- MEMORIZE THE WEEKLY KEY VERSE
Every week, one key verse from the sermon will be highlighted for memory. You are invited to use the free Bible Memory app and join the “Millington Baptist Church” Bible memorization group: Click here to join
- READ AND REFLECT ON THE PASTOR’S DEVOTIONAL BLOG
Each Wednesday, one of our pastors will share a devotional expanding on the sermon theme helping to connect Isaiah’s message to everyday life.
Why This Rhythm Matters
- Immersion: This plan helps you engage learning in multiple ways—hearing, reading, memorizing, and reflecting—so you gain a richer understanding of Isaiah’s message.
- Transformation in Community: Discussion questions and shared readings create space for us to learn together and nurture application of the biblical principles into our daily lives.
Questions or comments?
Contact Amy Huber, Director of Discipleship and Connections: ahuber@millingtonbaptist.org
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Pastor Bob Erbig and Pastor Dave Hentschel
