Isaiah 40:31
“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
The theme for this year, Elevate: Going Higher in the Presence of God, calls us as a church to rise above spiritual complacency, distractions, and the limitations of human effort. It challenges us to intentionally seek God, not just for His blessings but for His divine purpose and the overwhelming power of His Shekinah glory. In the same way that the ministers could not stand to minister because of the weight of His glory in the temple (2 Chronicles 5:14), we must desire a tangible manifestation of His presence in every aspect of our church life.
The Call to Elevation
Isaiah 40:31 provides the foundation for this elevation, describing the process of waiting on the Lord as a means to gain renewed strength. To “mount up with wings as eagles” is to rise above the storms and challenges of life, not by human might or intellect, but by the empowering presence of God. The church must understand that true elevation is only possible when we seek God intentionally, as individuals and as a corporate body.
The Apostle Paul echoes this truth in Colossians 3:1-2, where he urges believers to “set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Elevation requires focus. It requires prioritizing the kingdom of God above all else (Matthew 6:33) and dedicating ourselves to intentional spiritual practices such as prayer, fasting, worship, and the study of God’s Word. Without such focus, we risk stagnation, allowing distractions to keep us from experiencing the fullness of God’s glory.
The Power of God’s Presence
The Shekinah glory of God refers to His manifest presence, a tangible expression of His holiness and power. This glory was visibly present in the Old Testament when God filled the temple during Solomon’s dedication. In 2 Chronicles 5:13-14, it is written:
“…the house of the Lord was filled with a cloud, so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God.”
This moment exemplifies the overwhelming power of God’s presence. It was so heavy, so all-consuming, that human effort ceased. The priests could no longer minister because God Himself took over. This is a goal and a challenge for us as a church. We must seek such an encounter with God, where His presence takes precedence over programs, agendas, and personal ambitions. This requires humility and a heart fully surrendered to Him (James 4:10).
Seeking God’s Divine Purpose
To elevate in the presence of God, the church must align itself with His divine purpose. This involves discerning His will and allowing Him to direct our paths (Proverbs 3:5-6). The prophet Jeremiah reminds us that God has plans for us—plans for good and not for harm, to give us a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11). However, these plans are not revealed to the complacent. They are unveiled to those who seek Him with their whole heart (Jeremiah 29:13).
The church’s mission must transcend routine religious activities and move into intentional kingdom-building efforts. Just as the early church devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer (Acts 2:42), we must prioritize God’s agenda over our own. This intentionality positions us to experience His glory in new and transformative ways.
The Role of the Church in Facilitating Elevation
- Prayer as the Foundation
Prayer must be central to everything we do as a church. In Acts 4:31, the early believers prayed, and the place where they were gathered was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. This demonstrates the power of corporate prayer to usher in God’s presence and power. - Worship That Invites God’s Glory
Worship is another critical element in elevating the church. In John 4:23-24, Jesus emphasizes worship in spirit and truth. Worship is not simply singing songs but offering our entire being to God as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1). True worship invites His Shekinah glory into our midst. - Holiness as a Lifestyle
Elevation requires consecration. In 1 Peter 1:16, we are reminded of God’s command: “Be holy, for I am holy.” The church must pursue holiness, not as a set of rules but as a lifestyle that reflects the character of God. This positions us to experience His glory more deeply. - Unity as a Witness
Unity in the body of Christ is essential for elevation. In Acts 2:1-4, the Holy Spirit descended when the believers were gathered together in one place, with one accord. Division hinders the move of God, but unity creates an atmosphere where His glory can dwell.
A Church Filled with His Glory
The vision of going higher in God’s presence is not just about personal spiritual growth but about transforming the church into a dwelling place for His glory. Paul describes the church as a temple of God, where His Spirit dwells (1 Corinthians 3:16). When the church intentionally seeks God, His glory will fill our worship services and spill over into our communities, bringing healing, deliverance, and salvation.
We must remember that elevation is not a one-time event but a continuous journey. As we ascend in God’s presence, we will encounter new levels of His power, love, and revelation. But with each new level comes the responsibility to steward His presence faithfully, ensuring that His purpose is fulfilled in and through us.
Waiting, Seeking, and Rising
Isaiah 40:31 reminds us that those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength. Waiting is not passive but an active pursuit of God through prayer, worship, and obedience. As we seek Him intentionally, He will elevate us individually and collectively, empowering us to rise above every challenge and to experience the fullness of His Shekinah glory.
The church must embrace this call to elevation with urgency and determination. We must hunger for His presence, prioritize His purpose, and live in a way that invites His glory to envelop us. Let us strive to become a church so filled with His presence that, like the priests in 2 Chronicles 5:14, we are overcome by the weight of His glory, and His power is evident to all. For in His presence, there is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11), and at His right hand, pleasures forevermore.
We must remember that elevation is not a one-time event but a continuous journey. As we ascend in God’s presence, we will encounter new levels of His power, love, and revelation.
As we approach 2025, let us seize every opportunity to rise higher into the presence of God. It is time to move beyond “church as usual” and embrace a renewed passion for intentional spiritual growth and worship. Let Tuesday night Bible study, Sunday school, Sunday morning worship, and every gathering of our church ministries for fellowship and discipleship become sacred moments to ascend the hill of the Lord. Let us enter His holy place with hearts open to seek His face, to inquire of His wisdom, and to be filled with the transformative power of His presence and glory!
