By: Joyce K. Picker
I don’t know about you, but I constantly seek the Word of the Lord that is as relevant today as it was over 2000 years ago. I particularly seek to encourage others in the Body of Messiah. The Word of God is like living water which saturates, refreshes, renews, cleanses and purifies. Why wouldn’t each and every one of us want that? In the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year, (January) we want to start over, do something better or different than we did the year before. It’s a chance to start afresh. It’s a mindset for a ton of people. That’s why gym memberships are up in January. One can feel like he/she is turning over a new leaf, so to speak. Well, there is great news for you. God wants to enlarge, expand, stretch, and spread out to the right and left for you and me. Are you ready to receive? Let’s take a look at Isaiah.
Isaiah 54:2-3
Enlarge the place of your tent and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: Spare not, lengthen the cords, and strengthen your stakes; For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities.
This scripture is a powerful promise to His people, God illustrates the transformation and growth that will follow a season of barrenness and despair. I think that some believers have been in that exact season and not just in 2024. This is a promise both for Israel and the Church who are God’s people. The imagery of a once-barren woman being called to enlarge her tent signifies a shift from shame to abundance, reflecting God's faithfulness even when circumstances seem contrary to hope. We have a God who specializes in hope. This verse summarizes the essence of divine restoration, urging the faithful to prepare for a multitude of blessings. I know I’m ready for a multitude of blessings, are you? The context of Isaiah's prophecy speaks directly to Israel's future, emphasizing that although they have faced hardships, especially in 2024, God's providential hand will lead them into a time of prosperity and growth. The prophetic invocation to "enlarge the place of your tent" carries profound implications for both historical Israel and the Church and the broader, future gathering of God's people.
This exhortation stands as a reminder that God delights in turning desolation into gladness and that the community of believers must be ready and expectant for His bountiful provisions. As it states in Isaiah 54:2, the anticipation of increased blessing is meant to inspire joy and readiness among those who have felt forsaken. Such a message resonates deeply with the idea of divine love and redemption that transcends circumstances.
I’m sure you can remember the book that came out some years ago on the Prayer of Jabez? I remember it- like this was some kind of revelation that no one had ever heard before. Jabez is a child of the Most High God, (just like we are) pouring out his heart to God because his very name meant pain. Why did his mother name him that? I have often asked that question. His attitude was pure, and his heart was pure, and his motives lined up with scripture - that’s why God answered his prayers. Take a look:
1 Chronicles 4:10
Now Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that You would bless me indeed and enlarge my border, and that Your hand might be with me, and that You would keep me from harm that it may not pain me!” And God granted him what he requested.
Whenever we have a victory, we must be on guard because Satan comes to steal, kill and destroy. It’s not that we must be looking around every corner for him to strike, we just need to be wise and discerning. That’s biblical! Abundant life is a state of being from within and not a result of external circumstances. It reflects Yeshua and produces love, peace, joy, patience, kindness, goodness and self-control. It’s not about material prosperity, but fulfillment and purpose from a relationship with God. When we think of God’s expansion and enlargement, it could come in many forms, not just material things.
John 10:10
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
Once the Lord has led us down the path of growth and expansion and enlargement, He does not abandon us. We serve a mighty and awesome God who will never leave us or forsake us. He will assure that we will not slip or faulter. He levels our path like a tsunami. He makes a way where there seems to be no way. He does supernatural things that our minds cannot comprehend. To expand means to become bigger or enhance something.
2 Samuel 22:37
“You enlarge my steps under me, and my feet have not slipped.
Psalm 118:5
From my distress I called upon the Lord; The Lord answered me and set me in a large place.
We cannot even imagine all the wonderful plans God has for us. But I do know that when we are in distress, the Lord sets us in a large place. What does that mean? He sees us. He is kind and merciful. He takes us to places we can’t even imagine. All we must do is have trusting faithfulness and believe that His promises are Yes and Amen in Messiah, Yeshua. I can recall as a teenager; I was not yet saved. I kept having a recurring dream every night and in one form or another I was falling. In case you ask, no I don’t have a height phobia. But it could be from a building, mountain or any high place. I would wake up before I reached the bottom. But I was so afraid, and it took a while to calm down. I had no clue what it meant until the day I proclaimed Yeshua as my personal Lord and Savior. I may not have ever figured that out on my own. I’m sure of that. Once I accepted the Lord as my Savior, I NEVER had a dream of falling again. I am truly loved, forgiven and saved. My destiny is set. I want to be in a large place but only because God has set me there. I can do all things through Messiah, who strengthens me. Remember this is the year of expansion, enlargement and stretching.
Ephesians 3:17-19
So that Messiah may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Messiah which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.
I have it on the best authority that 2025 will be a great and significant year for us who believe and trust in the Lord. Are you willing to let Him enlarge you and your territory? I pray the answer is yes.
Heavenly Father, thank you for your word which is alive and flows through us. Thank you for the expectation of receiving the enlargements, expansions and stretching in 2025. We look forward to another great year ahead filled with your promises. Amen
Please look at my other blogs and let me know how you enjoyed them. Please feel free to pass them along to your friends, family and co-workers.
Love in Yeshua,
Joyce
*Tree of Life (TLV) Translation of the Bible. Copyright © 2015 by The Messianic Jewish Family Bible Society.
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