“…but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isa 40:31 (NIV)
STRONG SERIES – PART 5
The Israelites were few in number, only a remnant, and facing a long and difficult journey. Tired and worn out physically and spiritually, many believed that God had left them. They were facing extreme loss and were aliens in a foreign land dealing with the contrast of their captivity and faith. From young to old, their spirits were frail and weak.
We all face seasons that suck the strength out of us. Then we’re left with the waiting.
Psychologists and people who have experienced grief will tell you that the moment of tragedy is not the hardest. ‘In the moment’ you’re full of adrenaline and directly after, there are people around helping and lending strength.
It’s the aftermath of emptiness that's the hardest. The waiting, the stillness. The time between the lowest point and the climb backup.
In the seasons of lost strength, it’s hope in God that fortifies our wastelands and brings stamina back into our tired legs. It’s the ‘waiting’ that makes us strong again. We learn to lean onto God’s strength, which is creative by nature, and it renews us, causing us to rise above our weakness, grief, hardship and get an eagles eye perspective on life and love. It's in the waiting that God does his greatest and most miraculous work – causing the weak and lifeless to run, not hobble, but stride in strength.
Louie Giglio said “To us, waiting is wasting. To God, waiting is working.” If you’re experiencing a season of weakness right now, be strengthened by Isaiah’s prophecy to a tired and weak people… It's one of hope and restoration.
“God doesn’t come and go. God lasts. He’s Creator of all you can see or imagine. He doesn’t get tired out, doesn’t pause to catch his breath. And He knows everything, inside and out. He energises those who get tired, gives fresh strength to dropouts. Even young people tire and drop out, young folk in their prime stumble and fall. But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, They run and don’t get tired, they walk and don’t lag behind.” Is 40:29-31 (MSG)
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