Aug 20 – Put On Strength!

“Awake, awake! Put on your strength, O Zion; Put on your beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city!” (Isaiah 52:1)

A father wakes his sleeping children because it is time for them to get ready for school. He urges them to rise, prepare themselves, and set out for the day. But when our Heavenly Father calls, “Awake, awake, O Zion,” He is not awakening us for ordinary tasks. He is calling us to put on His strength.

When a police officer puts on his uniform, it signifies that he is ready to discharge his duties. His uniform visibly represents the authority entrusted to him by the government. When he patrols in his official vehicle, criminals and lawbreakers take notice and are filled with fear. In the same way, when God’s children clothe themselves with the divine power, He has given them and go forth in His service, the kingdom of darkness and all the forces of Satan tremble.

Satan himself fears the power that dwells within you. If the fire of the Lord is burning in your heart, he cannot stand before the anointing of that holy fire. Therefore, rise with confidence and put on the strength that God has provided.

In the book of Isaiah, the words “Awake, awake” appear three times. Each time they are a divine call, stirring God’s people to rise with renewed zeal. We read: “Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the Lord!” (Isaiah 51:9) The Lord’s mighty arm shattered Rahab and pierced the serpent of old.

When the Lord judged Egypt and Pharaoh through the ten plagues, He raised up Moses to stand with Him. Placing the staff in Moses’ hand, God conveys, “Take hold of My authority.” Holding that staff, Moses led the people of Israel out of Egypt in glorious victory. Likewise, clothe yourselves with the Lord’s power so that you may accomplish great and mighty things for Him.

You have been called to arise and shine. The light of the Lord has dawned upon you. Your life is not meant to remain hidden under a basket; it is to be like a city set on a hill. You are the light of the world. Therefore, you must be clothed with the power that enables you to shine.

Dear children of God, putting on this strength is your responsibility. There is power in prayer, in thanksgiving, in fasting, and in the fellowship of God’s people. Above all, there is immeasurable power in the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Come forward eagerly and be clothed with that glorious power.

Verse for further meditation: “But indeed for this purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth.” (Exodus 9:16)