Don’t shrink your life down to the present reality, instead stretch to enlarge it.
“Sing, barren woman, you who never bore a child; burst into song, shout for joy, you who were never in labor; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband,” says the Lord. 2 “Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. —Isaiah 54:1-2
1) Enlarge your vision.
Enlarge the place of your tent…. —Isaiah 54:2
2) Stretch your faith.
…stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back… —Isaiah 54:2
- It’s always easier to settle than to stretch your faith.
3) Lengthen your reach.
…lengthen your cords… —Isaiah 54:2
- Who’s next? What’s next?
4) Strengthen your foundation.
…strengthen your stakes. —Isaiah 54:2
Why do we need to enlarge, stretch, lengthen and strengthen?
- To prepare for the NEXT…
For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities. —Isaiah 54:3
When you stretch to enlarge, God will bring the growth and increase.
Discipleship Guide
Let’s Connect
- What is a big dream you have?
Let’s Talk About It
Life doesn’t always go the way we had hoped. In difficult times, dry seasons, periods of barrenness, when things don’t go as we hoped, the temptation is to respond by shrinking back, lowering expectations, kicking into survival mode or even just giving up. Instead of shrinking your life down to fit the present reality, stretch to enlarge it and trust God to bring growth and increase.
Isaiah 54:1-4
- Which part of the message made an impact, caught your attention or challenged you?
- Read Isaiah 54:1-2. Share about a dry or barren season that you’ve experienced. Were you tempted to “shrink” your life down to the reality of the moment? The next time you experience a similar season, how will you enlarge your life?
- In periods of barrenness, we can trust God and step out of comfort by enlarging our vision and stretching our faith. Where do you sense God calling you to enlarge your vision and stretch your faith? How are you going to respond? What are you going to do?
- God wants us to lengthen our reach. Who are you praying for and planning to invite to church or small group? Think of three people who you would like to see come to know Christ. How can you lengthen your reach towards them?
- Deeper and stronger foundations are necessary to support greater growth. Are you strengthening your foundation in God by spending daily time reading and studying God’s word? How can this group support you as you build a stronger foundation in Christ?
Take a Step
- Take some time this week to write out your story. And then ask God for the opportunity to share your faith in Christ and your story with someone.
SOAP reading:
- Day 1: Psalm 119:1-24, Mark 2
- Day 2: Psalm 119:25-56, Mark 3
- Day 3: Psalm 119:57-80; Mark 4
- Day 4: Psalm 119:81-104, Mark 5
- Day 5: Psalm 119:105-128, Mark 6
- Day 6: Psalm 119:129-152, Mark 7
- Day 7: Psalm 119:153-176, Mark 8
Here’s My Prayer
Sovereign God, enlarge my vision, stretch my faith, lengthen my reach and strengthen my foundation so my life will bring greater honor and glory to You.