Matthew 19:26(MSG) Jesus looked hard at them and said, “No chance at all if you think you can pull it off yourself. Every chance in the world if you trust God to do it.”
Matthew 19:26(NLT) Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.”
Isaiah 41:10(NLT) Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
1 Peter 5:7(NLT) Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
Look at others and be distressed. Look at yourself and be depressed. Look to God, and you’ll be blessed!
God is greater than our circumstances.
Isaiah 40:28-31(NLT) Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
This was the circumstances at the time of Isaiah 40 – as the remnant in Babylon looked back, they saw failure and sin; and they needed encouragement. Four voices are heard, each of them with a special message for these people in need.
The voice of comfort – Isaiah 40:1-2(GNT) “Comfort my people,” says our God. “Comfort them! Encourage the people of Jerusalem. Tell them they have suffered long enough and their sins are now forgiven.”
Isaiah 41:10(GNT) Do not be afraid – I am with you! I am your God – let nothing terrify you! I will make you strong and help you; I will protect you and save you.
2 Corinthians 1:4(NLT) He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.
The voice of provision – Isaiah 40:4(NLT) Fill in the valleys, and level the mountains and hills. Straighten the curves, and smooth out the rough places.
Isaiah 45:2-3(GNT) I myself will prepare your way, leveling mountains and hills. I will break down bronze gates and smash their iron bars. I will give you treasures from dark, secret places; then you will know that I am the LORD and that the God of Israel has called you by name.
The voice of a Guarantee – Isaiah 40:5(NLT) “Then the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. The LORD has spoken!” Isaiah 40:8 (GNTD) Yes, grass withers and flowers fade, but the word of our God endures forever.
The voice of peace – Isaiah 40:9-11(NLT) O Zion, messenger of good news, shout from the mountaintops! Shout it louder, O Jerusalem. Shout, and do not be afraid. Tell the towns of Judah, “Your God is coming!” Yes, the Sovereign LORD is coming in power. He will rule with a powerful arm. See, he brings his reward with him as he comes. He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.