Expand Beyond Where You Are Now

Daily Devotional

Isaiah 54:2 Sing, O barren, … for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the Lord. Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes;

Not because God promises increase means that it is automatic,  as is seen in Isaiah 54:1-2, to unlock it there will be instructions that you will have to follow.

In Isaiah 54, the Children of Israel were in captivity in Egypt and for the majority that is all they could see. They conceived their current state as their permanent position. God saw their future much differently and so He promised them increase through the prophet Isaiah and with that promise he gave them five (5) instructions. The instructions indicate that their increase was not automatic but required their involvement.

The first instruction was to “sing O barren …for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife.” The essence of this instruction is to expect an increase. Whatever God has promised you, expect it to happen and let that expectation cause you to break forth into rejoicing even though you have not yet seen the manifestation.

The second instruction was to enlarge the place of your tent; meaning plan and prepare for increase.  Your expectation should move you to action, starting with planning and preparing for what he has promised. The third instruction was “let them stretch forth the curtains of thy habitation”, to put it simply, to enlarge the place of your tent you will have to stretch beyond your current level by doing things you have never done.  It says “let them” to indicate to you that you will need the involvement of the right people – mentors and dream supporters to get this done. The fourth instruction is to lengthen thy cords, that implies expanding your network. Stretching will require you to go beyond your current circle. Finally, the scripture said “strengthen thy stakes” or strengthen thy foundation. Your foundation represents your wisdom, to enlarge your tent you must increase your wisdom.

The five (5) instructional steps highlighted above are 5 things that you must do to create the increase God promised.

Life Application: Enlarge the place of your tent by expecting and making preparation for increase. Further to that be willing to stretch beyond your current level to include but not limited to expanding your network and increasing your wisdom. 

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to never settle. Help me to always look for ways to expand and stretch beyond my comfort levels. Help me to surround myself with the right people at all times. In Jesus name, amen.