Isaiah 40:31, “But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.”
Don’t we all have too many distractions and difficulties? We have a tidy schedule to keep and see through, and then something comes up that squeezes us like an exploding bottle of ketchup that has erupted all over our lovely, neat, self-made plans and we are exasperated. That is when the strength of our character comes out in how we react under pressure. Ouch. If I would remember and think more about the sovereignty of God in the situation, stop and turn my anxiousness into a prayer, I would be reacting differently. How about you?
When life’s responsibilities cause us to be worn out and tired, we are told in Isaiah 40:30 that even the young become weak and tired, and “will fall in exhaustion.” Yet God “never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding.” Is. 40:28b. Let God meet you where you are at in life. God says, “I love you. I got you!” as Jeremiah 31:3 declares, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.” Write down in your journal all the ways God has shown His faithfulness to you recently. Then “Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever.” Psalm 136:26.
When facing the next dilemma in life, pause, quiet yourself (Ps. 131), ask God to increase your faith and surrender the trying circumstance to Him. Trust Him to give you new heights of spiritual and physical strength to carry on soaring above it, as Isa. 40:31 promises. Eagles are renowned for their incredible strength and courage in turbulent weather soaring above the storm clouds to safety. Their powerful wings enable them to soar at greater heights than most other birds. They have exceptional eyesight and can live up to 70 years. They possess immense mental strength but undergo a painful transformation in maintaining it. The eagle’s beak, for example, starts by crushing its own beak against a rock (on a mountain top); although it is painful, the old beak must fall out to make a new one appear. Once the new beak emerges as strong and functional, it becomes a crucial part of the eagle’s renewal. Next, after acquiring a new beak, it rips out its old claws and feathers. This allows the growth of new claws and replaces existing ones. These new feathers are more efficient and lighter, enabling swift flight. It is reported that the eagle endures immense pain during this process, which lasts 150 days. Patience and endurance are key, but then the eagle is rejuvenated after completing the transformation, and it has improved its flying with increased agility and speed. The prophet Isaiah uses “wings like eagles” characteristics, to those who remain faithful to God and look forward to their heavenly reward. It requires patience and trust in the timing of God’s sovereign will and desire sanctifying and perfecting us to be more Christ-like.
Hold on tightly. When you have blown it, confess it and remember you are a sinner in need of God’s grace, love, and compassion. Then you will not be offended, angry, hurt, vengeful, or selfish. Apologize where needed. Show the gospel to others in your renewed trust in the LORD who has given you knew strength as you soar high on wings like eagles. You will run and not grow weary. You will walk and not faint. Isa. 40:31. Your spiritual transformation may seem painful. Yet have joy. You are developing endurance and have the opportunity to grow, being sanctified in Christ, with more strength to soar above everything else through another transformational opportunity to wait upon Him and walk the talk, utilizing the Holy Spirit’s power within you, by His grace.
Listen to Play this Up Loud, it’s Your Battle Song.