Strength For The Week

Isaiah 40:28–31 (NIV)

28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.

29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;

31 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Introduction: “Running on Empty”

Let’s be honest. Sunday night doesn’t always feel holy. Sometimes it feels heavy.

• You’ve had a long week.

• You did your best to worship today, but your mind is already racing toward Monday.

• You feel like you need a vacation from your weekend.

But here's the good news: This passage isn’t just a nice verse to hang on your wall — it’s a lifeline when you’re drained and discouraged.

Point 1: God Never Gets Tired (v. 28)

“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God…”

Isaiah starts with a bit of sarcasm here — like, “Have you forgotten who you're talking to?”

The Everlasting God:

• Doesn’t grow tired.

• Doesn’t get overwhelmed.

• Doesn’t lose track of you.

Illustration: When you take your car to the mechanic, you don’t try to fix it while it's on the lift. You let the expert work. Same with God — you have to get out from under the hood and let the One who created you restore you.

Your exhaustion is not a problem for God — it’s an invitation.

Point 2: Strength Comes to the Honest (v. 29)

“He gives strength to the weary…”

Notice, He doesn’t say:

• He gives strength to the busy.

• Or to the impressive.

• Or to those who have everything figured out.

He gives strength to the weary. To those who are willing to admit they need help. Some of us are too proud to be renewed. We’d rather limp through life than lean on God.

Real-life story: I remember a time I pushed through exhaustion trying to do everything myself. I was working in ministry, helping people, and spiritually starving. It wasn’t until I said, “God, I can’t carry this,” that I began to feel His strength carry me.

When was the last time you stopped trying to manage everything and simply asked God for strength?

Point 3: Even the Strong Stumble (v. 30)

“Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall…”

Isaiah says, “Even the strongest people eventually fall apart.” You know why? Because human strength always has a limit.

You can only carry so much before your knees buckle.

You can only fake joy so long before it shows.

You can only hustle so long before you hit a wall.

Let me give you a Warning: If you’re relying on your own strength, it’s not if you’ll fall, it’s when.

But stumbling doesn't mean you're done. It just means it’s time to lean on something greater than yourself.

Point 4: Hope is the Key to Renewal (v. 31)

“But those who hope in the Lord…”

The word “hope” here means more than just wishful thinking. It means:

• To wait with expectation.

• To trust that help is on the way.

• To lean into God, not away from Him.

Imagine carrying a heavy backpack. You're worn out. Someone comes and says, “Let me carry that for you.” That's what God does — He doesn’t just walk beside you; He bears the weight.

“They will soar on wings like eagles…”

• Eagles soar above the storm, while other birds hide.

• They don’t rely on flapping their wings constantly — they ride the wind.

God is saying: “If you’ll stop striving and start trusting, I’ll lift you.”

How Do We Renew Our Strength?

1. Slow Down to Wait on God

Renewal starts by stopping. Not just slowing your schedule, but quieting your soul.

Set aside time to pray. Not talk — just be.

Turn off the noise.

Get alone with God and say, “I’m tired, but I trust You.”

2. Speak Honestly With God

You don’t have to come to Him with polished prayers.

Just be real: “God, I’m worn out. I need You.”

3. Expect God to Move

Hope is an attitude of expectation. Look for Him to show up.

In your decisions

In your rest

In your everyday moments this week

Closing Story: “The Eagle in the Storm”

There’s an old story about how eagles respond to storms. When dark clouds roll in and other birds flee, the eagle flies straight into the storm. Why? Because it knows the storm’s winds will lift it higher.