Increasing Beyond Expectation: Strategies for Unlimited Church Growth

Trevor S Ferguson

February1, 2014

Isaiah 54:1-5 (KJV)
¹  Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD.
²  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;
³  For thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left; and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited.
⁴  Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame: for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more.
⁵  For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.

 
INTRODUCTION 

The text of Isaiah 54 is a song of praise celebrating the promise of Israel’s deliverance from captivity and the dawn of a new day of prosperity and blessings. During Isaiah’s life Israel was in a state of decline, both spiritually and politically, and Isaiah himself had prophesied concerning Israel’s destruction and exile as a consequence of their sins. Central to Isaiah’s prophesies however was the eventual restoration of Israel to her former glory and the coming of the Messiah who would deliver Israel from the bondage of sin.

The story of Israel’s restoration begins in Isaiah 40, where God commands Isaiah to comfort the people, proclaiming that their warfare is over and her iniquity is pardoned. In chapter 44 and 45, Isaiah names Cyrus as one who would initiate deliverance of Israel from Babylon, over a hundred years before Cyrus’ birth. Interspersed within the story of Israel’s restoration are numerous messianic prophesies, chief of which is seen in Isaiah 53 where Isaiah declares that the Messiah would come as a suffering servant, but would accomplish a great spiritual deliverance for humanity. In chapter 54 Isaiah switches back to the story of Israel’s restoration and issues a challenge which appears initially to be paradoxical, but if applied is really a formula for unlimited growth beyond usual expectations. Today I want us to explore this passage as I share with you some strategies for unlimited growth for the church but equally applicable to our personal lives.

EXPOSITION 

The text begins with a challenge to the barren: “Sing O barren … break forth into singing … more are the children of desolate than the married wife”. We note that in bible times barrenness was considered a curse and therefore singing and rejoicing were not attributes one would expect from a barren woman. In fact the attitude of Rachel (“give me children or let me die”) and Hannah (weeping and deep sorrow) are more likely to be expected. The command to sing and rejoice even while still in a state of barrenness and desolation leads us to the first strategy for unlimited growth.

Strategy #1: Sing, regardless of your current situation

Despite the current state of barrenness Isaiah commanded Israel to sing, to rejoice, and cry aloud (shout). It is an action, not dependent on the current circumstances but in anticipation who our God is and what we know that he can do. We note that Israel struggled with this concept, for we see in Psalm 137 that they had difficulty singing the Lord’s song in a strange land. The book of Daniel however shows us another side, where the three Hebrew boys and Daniel were not afraid to sing, rejoice, and prosper even in the land of their captivity.

Strategy #2: Recognize that your current state of barrenness, poverty, lack or desolation is not permanent

The second clause of verse 1 contains this declaration: “more are the children of the desolate that of the married wife”. Here Isaiah was saying many children are coming! The desolate, forsaken woman will become more fruitful than the previously stable married woman. When God reverses your situation he will give you double for all your troubles. Note also that the barren women were often the ones who brought forth children of promise: Rachel had Joseph; Hannah had Samuel and Elizabeth had John the Baptist. Sarah at 90 years old had Isaac and thus gave birth ultimately to the nation of Israel. God has a way of turning the tides and making that which was poor, desolate and insignificant the source of great blessing. Your current situation is not permanent. Rejoice your increase is coming!

Strategy #3: Prepare for your increase

Verse 2 of Isaiah 54 presents four things that we need to do as we prepare to receive the increase or expansion that we are expecting: 1) Enlarge the place of thy tent; 2) Stretch forth thy curtains; 3) lengthen thy cords; 4) strengthen thy stakes. Let’s look at each or these:

- Enlarge the place of your tent – We must create extra space (mental and physical) to receive God’s blessings. Let us remove the limits off our concept of God’s blessing.
- Stretch your curtains – We must make the new space habitable and comfortable.
- Lengthen thy cords – We must ensure that our support systems can handle the increased capacity. We must train leaders, workers, ministers, and counselors.
- Strengthen thy stakes – We must get deeper in God – shallow stakes can’t support a big tent so we will need to get closer to God. This will involve more prayer, more fasting and more study of the word of God. 

With adequate preparation we will be able to sustain the increase rather than see it come and slip right out of our hands

Strategy #4: Do not be afraid: Step out in faith

Verse 4 anticipates the residual effects of barrenness and desolation which include fear and inertia. Many times we are afraid that if we step out we will fail and thus suffer shame. We therefore often play it safe, by doing nothing or as little as possible. If we are to increase beyond expectations however, we must step out in faith. We will have to do some things we have never done before; we will have to engage people we do not know and will have to take some risk – emotional, financial and even spiritual. God has promised that we will not be ashamed. He will back us up. We must ensure however that we are being lead by the spirit, because we can’t expect to be walking in the flesh, making rash decisions and then expect that God will ‘cover’ our errors. Outside of that, when we are walking in the spirit even if we make a few missteps God will direct our path and lead us to success.

Strategy #5: Recognize the power of your support

In verse 5, Isaiah reminds Israel – “thy Maker is thy husband; the Lord of host is his name; thy redeemer is the Holy One on Israel, he is the God of the whole earth”. The source of our support is none other than the Creator; He is the Lord of host, the Lord Almighty, the Lord mighty in battles – He will fight for us. He is our Redeemer – He will buy us back if we end up in trouble. He is our guarantor, he will pay our debts. He is the Holy One of Israel – He has a track record as a Deliverer. He delivered Abraham and Isaac; He delivered Israel from Egypt, He lead Joshua as he conquered the Canaanites. He delivered David when he faced Goliath and then delivered him from the hands of Saul; he delivered Daniel from the lion’s den and the three Hebrew boys from the fiery furnace. He brought Israel out of Babylonian captivity and preserved them under Roman oppression.

Chances are if he did all of that he can deliver you! 

Strategy #6: Do not be dissuaded by the doubters, gainsayers and accusers; they cannot stop God’s work

The last verse of Isaiah 54 contains a powerful promise: “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.” The Sanballats and Tobiahs will oppose the work of God, but like Nehemiah when we are doing a good work we will not stop. Fight if you must; but keep the work of God going right on.

CONCLUSION

Today we have looked at some strategies that can be employed to accomplish unlimited growth both for the church and in our personal lives. These words were not sent to entertain you or to impress you, but to inspire you and call you to action. God is challenging you to grow, to increase beyond expectations. You can’t  do this on your own accord, but if you employ the principles contained in God’s word, all things are possible. Apply these principles today; remember you have got to do your part, even as we are reminded in the book of 1st Corinthians: Paul planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. God is ready to enlarge your territory and expand your borders! Trust him today; Step out in faith and see how you will increase beyond all expectations.