Strength Will Rise
“Strength will rise”—three words that contain a divine promise for every exhausted heart. In seasons of weariness, when our own power fails, God’s Word offers an unshakable truth: His strength is made perfect in our weakness.
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” (Isaiah 40:29, NIV)
Written to Israelites in exile, this verse speaks directly to our human limitations. Let’s uncover the depths of God’s promise to strengthen His people.
The Reality of Human Weariness
Isaiah’s words first acknowledge what we all experience: weariness. The Hebrew word for “weary” (ya’eph) describes complete exhaustion—physical, emotional, and spiritual. God doesn’t minimize our fatigue; He meets us in it.
Modern life amplifies this weariness. We juggle responsibilities, face constant demands, and often feel like we’re running on empty. Even ministry and good works can drain us (Galatians 6:9). Yet this very exhaustion becomes the canvas for God’s power.
The verse makes a radical contrast: human weakness versus divine strength. Where we end, God begins. Our depletion becomes the space for His supernatural provision.
The Divine Strength Exchange
God’s action verbs reveal His character:
- “Gives” (natan) – present continuous action
- “Increases” (rabah) – abundant multiplication
This isn’t temporary help but ongoing empowerment. Like Elijah receiving angelic food for his journey (1 Kings 19:5-8), God provides exactly what we need to keep going.
The New Testament echoes this promise:
- “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
- “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31)
God’s strength manifests most powerfully when we admit our weakness. The paradox of Christianity is that surrender leads to victory, and confession of inadequacy unlocks divine adequacy.
Experiencing God’s Strength Daily
How do we practically access this strength?
- Through Honest Prayer
Like the psalmists, we must bring our raw weariness to God (Psalm 142:1-2). Pretense blocks His power. - By Receiving Grace
Strength comes when we stop trying to earn God’s favor and simply receive His help (Hebrews 4:16). - In Community
God often strengthens us through others (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). Isolation magnifies weariness. - Via Spiritual Disciplines
Quietness, Scripture meditation, and worship become conduits of strength (Isaiah 30:15).
Reflection Questions
- Where are you feeling most weary right now? How can you bring that exhaustion honestly before God?
- What false sources of strength (self-reliance, busyness, etc.) might you need to release to experience God’s power?
- How have you experienced God’s strength in past seasons of weakness? What did that teach you?
Prayer
Father, I come to You exhausted. Thank You for promising strength to the weary. Forgive me for relying on my own power. Today I receive Your supernatural strength—not to escape my circumstances, but to walk through them in Your power. Renew me as I wait on You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
