'Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees'

"Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you." Isaiah 35:3-4 (Read v. 1-10)

As God's judgments came upon the nations of Israel and Judah for their turning away and their idolatry, it would be easy for God's people to become discouraged in the faith. After all, God had promised that David would not lack a man to sit upon the throne but the prophets warned of judgment and destruction. God promised to send the Messiah and Savior, but this promise remained as yet unfulfilled. Instead, the believers who remained faced suffering and persecution for their faith.

So also today. We await the promised return of Christ, but He has not yet come. The world, and even so-called Christian churches, have compromised and abandoned Biblical Christianity in favor of a religion more acceptable to the world. And true believers face ridicule and persecution for their faith in Christ and adherence to God's Word. At times it becomes easy to think and say, "What's the point?" The wicked prosper and those who trust in Christ suffer hardship and persecution.

But God's Word, spoken through the prophet, tells us to "strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you."

Though the wait seems long, Jesus is coming to judge this world. He will execute vengence on those who continue in impenitence and unbelief, and He will grant to all who trust in Him the everlasting joys of His kingdom (cf. 2 Thessalonians 1:3ff.; 2 Peter 3:1ff.).

And not only will Christ carry out judgment against the unbelieving and wicked, He will restore all things, as described in Isaiah 35:5-10; 65:17ff.; Romans 8:19ff.

So, don't lose heart! Don't give up the faith! Wait patiently, for Christ is coming to establish His everlasting kingdom. God's promises will be fulfilled.

Give us courage, give us strength, O Lord. Keep us in the true faith, holding fast to our Lord Jesus and trusting in Him alone for salvation. And strengthen us that we might also encourage others. Amen.

[Devotion by Randy Moll. Scripture from the King James Version of the Bible]