Isaiah’s Words of Encouragement

(Hebrews 12:1) Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

(Isaiah 30:21) Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

For when you are trying to make sense of it all...

“An encounter with God 

changes everything.”

A God Encounter

Our greatest pain can be a catalyst for our greatest gain.

(Isaiah 6:1-4) In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphim... And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.

God speaks to us when we're hurting most.  Run to God even if the pain is from your own mistakes. Don't run from God. 

When we see God clearly, we see ourselves clearly.

(Isaiah 6:5) “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty.”

Let God touch the deepest part of you. 

God removes our past, so He can redeem our future.  

(Isaiah 6:6-8) Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.” Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

Isaiah’s Words of Encouragement

1.“God wants to reveal more of Himself to you.”

(Isaiah 55:6) Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.

(Jeremiah 29:13) You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Key: Go all in with God. 

Don't try to control your spiritual journey.  Trust God! There's nothing that God has for you that you wont enjoy.

   

2. “God wants to change you.”

God loves you just as you are, but too much to let you stay that way!

(Isaiah 1:18-19) “Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land.”

(1 Peter 2:2-3 NLT) Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness. 

Key: Take the next step.

3.“God has an assignment for you.”

(Isaiah 60:1-3) “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.”

(Ephesians 2:10 NLT) For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

Key: Discover my purpose.

Lord, I surrender myself to you and to your purpose.  Take my past and forgive me. Save me. You are the only one who can. 

Chris Hodges, Church of the Highlands

https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/media/message/isaiah 

All scripture is from the New International Version unless otherwise noted.