“But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength” (Isa. 40:31).
As noted in yesterday’s lesson, one of my favorite Hebrew words is chalaph (khaw-laf). It is a word that is used in various illustrative ways to indicate personality alteration, second growth, revival, renewal, and a change for the better.
When Mohammed died, his replacement was called a caliph, a derivative of this word chalaph. There is even conjecture by some scholars that California obtained its name from this Hebrew word.
In the Middles Ages a novel was written about a mythical queen named California who took a desert wasteland and turned it into a beautiful garden. The Calif portion of her name was supposedly traced by some to chalaph.
In the original Hebrew version of this verse, the word translated renew is chalaph. In this case, it is defined as “exchange.” We who wait on the Lord shall exchange our strength. Ours for His. What a beautiful picture!
In our time of trial, we can say: “Lord I am waiting for You, and while I am waiting something is happening. An exchange is taking place. My strength is being replaced by Your strength. My limited finances are giving way to Your riches in glory. My finite wisdom is being superseded by Your wisdom from above.”
You can change every area of your life right now. Quote Isaiah 40:31 and tell the Lord that you want chalaph, a renewal, an exchange. If you want victory in your life, trade your resources for God’s!
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.