Charles F. Stanley

Scripture: Isaiah 40:1-31; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

I. Introduction: Perhaps someone betrayed you and it’s been difficult to overcome your feelings of hurt and confusion. Or maybe your dreams have been shattered and it seems as if you’ve no hope left for the future. Where do you turn? There is only one sure place to find comfort for the pain you’re experiencing, and that is in almighty God.

II. The Picture of Our Comforter

In order for the Father to truly console us, we must know who He is and trust His character.

1. God is eternal (Isa. 40:8). There has never been a time in the past when the Lord did not exist. Neither will there ever be a time in the future when He is not present. This is why His Word is so trustworthy—it withstands the test of the ages.

2. God is sovereign (Isa. 40:9-10) The Father is in control of everything—at all times and in every situation. Although you may not be able to understand why He allows certain circumstances to arise in your life, you can be certain that He still reigns in them. He has the power to change, heal, and handle anything that concerns you.

3. God Is the Shepherd of His People (Isa. 40:11) The Lord is gentle with His flock. He leads, protects, and provides for us with love and tenderness.

4. God Is the Creator (Isa. 40:12) As the One who formed you, the Lord is intimately aware of every aspect of your life, purpose, character, and development.

5. God Is Omniscient (Isa. 40:12-14) Just as our Father has precisely calculated the dust on the earth, He understands every detail of your circumstances and the very best way to help you. He is well aware of all that concerns you.

6. God Is Omnipotent (Isa. 40:13-25) Our minds cannot comprehend the awesome, indescribable power of the living Lord. There is absolutely nothing He cannot do, and there is no force mighty enough to stand against Him.

7. God Is Omnipresent (Isa. 40:26-27) Everything is in the presence of the triune God. Though the Lord’s throne is in heaven and He lives within the hearts of those who believe in Him, He is not limited to these places.

8. God Is Unfathomably Tireless in all His Ways (Isa. 40:28) The depth of the Father’s character, wisdom, power, and love cannot be exhausted, even though His work in our lives never ceases.

III. The Promise of Our Comforter

We have been focusing on who God is and what He is like so we can be confident about trusting Him to comfort us. Now let’s look at His promises to us as we go through difficult times.

1. He is our able Teacher (John 14:26).The first thing we must understand is that at times, the Lord allows our resources to be depleted so that we will learn to hear His voice and rely upon Him. He wants us to turn to Him for our every need. Therefore, we can be confident that no matter what our situation is, God will reveal important truths to us through it.

2. He gives us strength when we’re weary and enables us to soar above our cares (Isa. 40:29). The challenges we endure may drain our energy, creativity, and hope, but with faith in Him, we must patiently and persistently pursue whatever He’s calling us to do. When we do, the Father promises that He will work through our trials to draw us closer to Himself.

3. He makes it possible for us to keep going and not lose heart (Isa. 40:30-31). Sometimes the most difficult “seasons” are the ones that are exceedingly monotonous. We begin to wonder if anything will ever change or if we can bear the tediousness of our circumstances any longer. However, because we serve the living God, we can continue to persevere, knowing that He faithfully works on our behalf (Isa. 64:4).

IV. Conclusion: When you feel as if you need comfort and healing deep within your soul, God has an important message for you: Don’t give up, for I am with you. There’s nothing in the world more encouraging than realizing that the One who never leaves you is able to help—no matter what your need, obstacle, struggle, or sorrow. You can be confident in Him, because not only is His character absolutely trustworthy, but history also proves that He unfailingly keeps His promises. So take heart, focus on the Father, and wait for His perfect provision. Surely, He will raise you up on eagle’s wings and show you the victory.