Read Isaiah 35

The Highway Of Holiness

Isaiah encouraged his readers, “Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees” (Isaiah 35:3). It is the responsibility of all of God’s people to encourage and strengthen others when they are weak. Everyone suffers from the pressures of life from time to time and needs such encouragement from God’s family.

Jesus told Peter to strengthen his brethren (Luke 22:32). The apostle Paul wrote in Romans 15:1-2, “We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification.” Likewise, in Galatians 6:1-2, he writes, “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

Paul and his companions did this very thing in “Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, ‘We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God’” (Acts 14:21-22).

The prophet continued, “Say to those who are fearful-hearted, ‘Bes strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God; He will come and save you’” (Isaiah 35:4).

Fear is often used by Satan to the detriment of one’s faith. Throughout the ages, God’s children are told, “Do not be afraid!” (Genesis 15:1; Exodus 14:13; Deuteronomy 20:1-3; Joshua 1:9; 2 Kings 1:15; Nehemiah 4:4; etc.). In the New Testament, we are commanded, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God (Philippians 4:6). As children of God, we should remember the words of Paul: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).

Support one another in the church. Lift up the weak and lean upon the strong. Encourage each other by alleviating fears whenever possible. Remember the promise of the Lord: “They shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away” (Isaiah 35:10).