Preparing for the Increase

In Isaiah 54, the prophet Isaiah prophesies to the barren nation of Israel that there is coming a time of increase. I believe God has spoken this prophecy to His church and that we too are to prepare for the increase by doing what the nation of Israel was commanded to do. God says we are to:

1.     Sing (have an attitude of joyful expectancy)

541 "Sing, O barren woman, you who never bore a child; burst into song, shout for joy, you who were never in labor; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband," says the LORD (Isaiah 54:1).

5Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. 6He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him (Psalms 126:5-6).

4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:4-7).

2.     Enlarge (make room for the increase)

2"Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. 3For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities (Isaiah 54:2).

6Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously (2 Corinthians 9:6).

3. Do not fear (get rid of fear, doubt and unbelief)

4"Do not be afraid; you will not suffer shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated. You will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood. 5For your Maker is your husband-- the LORD Almighty is his name-- the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth. (Isaiah 54:1-5).

25Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, 26for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared (Proverbs 3:21-26).

God has promised to increase us. He has not forgotten His promise. Now is the time for us to prepare individually and collectively to receive what He has promised.

Pastor Earl