Introduction
Beloved, we are gathered under a profound theme today: “Grace for Support and Sustenance.”
- In a world marked by uncertainties, delays, and disappointments, God’s grace remains the unshakable pillar that upholds us from the womb to our grey hairs. The foundational scriptures today reveal both the nature of God and His commitment to those who are His.
- Let us journey through Isaiah 46:3–6 and 2 Corinthians 9:8 to see how God, who made us, continues to bear, carry, and deliver us through all seasons of life.
Definition:
Support:
- bear all or part of the weight of; hold up.
- a thing that bears the weight of something or keeps it upright.
Sustenance/Sustain:
- to keep (a person, the mind, the spirits, etc.) from giving way
- Divine’s self – sufficiency – “Dododanwa”
1. God’s Voice Is Foundational (Isaiah 46:3a)
“Listen to me, O house of Jacob…”
- The first call in Isaiah 46 is not an action but an instruction to listen. God’s voice is the beginning of all sustenance. He spoke the world into existence; He upholds the world by the word of His power (Hebrews 1:3).
Implication: Hearing and obeying God positions you to access His grace. Support begins with divine instruction.- Job 33:14-16; Isaiah 30:21; Rom 10:17
Application: Many are sustained not because of resources but because of relationship. Tune your ears to the Shepherd’s voice–Psalm 23:4-5
2. God’s Grace Is Exclusive to His Children (Isaiah 46:3b; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 9:8)
“…all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been borne by Me from before your birth.”
- Grace for support is not universal in application. It is specific to the redeemed.
- Those who are in Christ are new creations (2 Cor. 5:17), and God’s grace is made to abound toward them (2 Cor. 9:8).
Implication: The starting point of sustained grace is new birth.
Application: If you are born again, God’s grace is your inheritance. If not, today is the day of salvation.
3. God’s Intimate Knowledge of You Qualifies Him to Support You (Isaiah 46:3c; Psalm 139:13–14)
“I have made you, and I will carry you.”
- He made you. He knows your design. He formed your inward parts- Psalm 139:13-14; He even numbers your hairs (Luke 12:7).
Implications:
- God is not an experimental sustainer. He has the blueprint of your life.- Gen 2:7; Psalm 8:4-5
- His support is custom-built, not mass-produced.
Application: Trust God’s detailed support system. No burden escapes His notice.
4. God’s Personal Sustaining Promise (Isaiah 46:4)
“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”
- Nothings is so certain as God’s personal involvement in your life as Your Father- The I am that I am
- Sustaining grace: This verse shows God’s grace in all seasons—from youth to old age.
- Supportive grace: God carries and delivers, not just passively watches.
- Covenantal grace: God’s care is based on His covenant relationship, not your condition.
Implications:
- “I am He” (Hebrew: Ani Hu) — a declaration of God’s unchanging identity and eternal presence.
- “Even to hoar hairs will I carry you” — “Hoar hairs” = old age, grey hair. “Carry” (Hebrew: ‘esbol’) — to lift up, sustain, bear burdens.
- “I have made, and I will bear” — Creator and Sustainer. What He makes, He takes responsibility for. He doesn’t outsource His care
- “Even I will carry, and will deliver you” — A threefold assurance: Carry, Bear, Deliver.
Application: No matter your age or stage, God is your unchanging help.
5. Biblical Harmony on Grace
Theme Isaiah 46:4 2 Corinthians 9:8
Divine Source “I am He… I have made you” “God is able…”
Sustenance“I will carry… sustain… rescue” “All sufficiency in all things”
Continuity“Even to old age and gray hairs” “Always having all sufficiency”
Purpose of GracePreservation and rescue Abounding in good works
Nature of GraceTender, faithful, personal Overflowing, enabling, generous
6. Grace Is Not Seasonal
From birth to old age, God remains constant. He does not abandon His own when they are weak, frail, or aged. This reality is emphasized in both Isaiah and Corinthians.
Each day walk with Christ is anchored on Grace- Philippians 2:13; Proverbs 18:1; John 15:5
Implication: Grace does not expire. God does not run out of strength or mercy.
7. Grace Is Covenant-Based
God’s sustaining power comes from a place of relationship and ownership.
- Isaiah: “I made you”
- Paul: “God is able”
Implication: God’s ability flows from His nature. His commitment flows from His covenant.
Conclusion: He Is Our God Forever (Psalm 48:14)
“For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide even unto death.”
- Let this sink in: You are never alone. In Christ, you have unending grace for unrelenting support.
Reflection
Are you relying on your own strength?
Are you born again and truly walking with Christ?
Are you facing a stage in life where support seems distant?
Come back to the God who carries, supports, and sustains.
Prayer Uproar for Divine Support
- Lord, help me to recognize and rest in Your sustaining grace.
- Root me deeper in Christ that I may never fall.
- Carry me through every season of my life.
Let your grace abound in every area of my need.