DEVOTION//God is greater

Life's challenges can loom so large they seem insurmountable.

For 316NOW, those challenges include the unleashed determination of China's atheistic Communist government. China is intensifying its commitment to eliminate all religions within its borders.

For you, those challenges may include breathing health into a failing marriage. Or rescuing a wandering child who doesn't want to be rescued. Or fighting to overcome an illness that threatens your life. Or piecing your career back together after it has shattered.

Isaiah chapter 40 reminds us, no matter what the challenge, no matter how overwhelming the problem, our God is greater.

"Do you not know?  Have you not heard?" the prophet asks. "[The LORD] sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in. He brings princes to naught and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing. No sooner are they planted, no sooner are they sown, no sooner do they take root in the ground, than he blows on them and they wither, and a whirlwind sweeps them away like chaff."

Then God adds, “To whom will you compare me?   Or who is my equal?... Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing" (Isiah 40:21-26)

What a wonderful reminder for us as we pray for the gospel's spread across China to its 1.4 billion souls: Our God "sits enthroned above the circle of the earth…. He brings princes to naught."

What a wonderful encouragement as we face our personal challenges and crosses: "Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens…. His great power and mighty strength" created them and sustains them.”

What do we have to fear with such a powerful God on our side?

Especially because our God began this chapter by assuring us of his love and forgiveness. "Comfort, comfort my people…. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins" (Isaiah 40:1,2).

15 Days of Prayer begins on February 1. Learn more here.