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Stretch Wide, Prepare Big. Preparing For God's Promises Isaiah 54:2-3
Contributed by David Cramer on Mar 15, 2025 (message contributor)
Summary: A message about God's Word and Preparing for His promises to us in our life here with Him.
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Good morning,
Stand with me, hold your Bibles, and repeat after me.
This is my Bible.
I am what it says I am.
I can do what it says I can do.
I am going to learn how to be what it says I can be.
Today I will learn more of the word of God.
The indestructible, never ending, living word Of God.
I will never be the same.
I will never be the same.
In Jesus Name
Amen?
Before you sit down, say good morning to your brothers and sisters.
"Stretch Wide, Believe Big: Preparing for God’s Promises"
Turn in your Bibles to Isaiah 54:2-3 and say, "Amen" when you are there.
A Call to Expand
Isaiah 54:2-3 is a prophetic invitation from God to dream bigger, believe deeper, and prepare for the extraordinary.
It says:
"Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities."
This was spoken to a people who had experienced barrenness, disappointment, and exile. Yet God tells them to prepare for growth, multiplication, and restoration.
This message is for us today as well: God is ready to move in your life, but will you make room for Him?
Let’s explore four key actions God calls us to take in this passage.
1. Enlarge Your Tent: Create Space for God’s Work
The first command is to "enlarge the place of your tent." This requires us to live with expectation.
It’s about believing that God is not finished with us yet and preparing for what He is about to do.
When the widow in 2 Kings 4 needed a miracle, the prophet Elisha told her to gather as many jars as possible. She poured her little oil into the jars, and it multiplied until every jar was full. The size of her blessing was determined by the size of her preparation.
A small business owner struggling to make ends meet felt led by God to expand her store, even when it didn’t seem financially feasible. Shortly after, new customers and opportunities began to flood in, exceeding her expectations. Her faith to "enlarge her tent" allowed her to experience God’s provision.
Are you making room in your life for the blessings you’re praying for?
2. Stretch Your Curtains: Step Out in Bold Faith
God then says, "stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back."
Stretching is uncomfortable—it requires effort, trust, and risk. But it’s in those moments of faith that we see God’s power at work.
Peter stepped out of the boat to walk on water toward Jesus. It was a bold and risky move, but it allowed him to experience a miracle.
Faith stretches us beyond what is safe into the realm of the supernatural.
A young family felt called to move to an impoverished community to serve as missionaries. They left behind their comfort and security, trusting God for provision. Over the years, they saw lives transformed and communities revived because they were willing to stretch wide in obedience.
What step of faith is God calling you to take today?
3. Strengthen Your Stakes: Build a Strong Foundation
Expanding and stretching can only happen if your foundation is secure.
God says to "strengthen your stakes," reminding us that growth requires preparation and stability.
In Matthew 7, Jesus compares two builders: one who built his house on the rock and another on the sand. When the storms came, only the house with a strong foundation remained standing.
Spiritual growth requires deep roots in prayer, God’s Word, and community.
A woman battling addiction decided to join a Bible study and committed to daily prayer. Over time, her spiritual foundation became so strong that she not only overcame her struggles but also began leading others toward freedom.
How are you strengthening your spiritual foundation for the growth God is preparing in your life?
4. Spread Out: Trust God for Multiplication
Finally, God promises that we will "spread out to the right and to the left" and bring restoration to desolate places.
This speaks of multiplication and influence far beyond what we can imagine.
The early church started with a small group of believers in Jerusalem, but through the power of the Holy Spirit, their influence spread across the world, transforming countless lives.
A single mother started a small ministry for struggling families in her neighborhood. What began as a local outreach grew into a regional movement, providing food, education, and hope to thousands. God took her small step of faith and multiplied it.
Are you ready to partner with God for something bigger than yourself?
Don’t Hold Back
As we close, hear the words of Isaiah again: “Do not hold back.” God is calling you to: