We Are Lifted With WIngs Like Eagles

Reading from Isaiah 40:28-31 KJV - We shall not fall down. The Lord will lift us up as though we had the wings of an eagle.

Strength For The Weary

The weary shall mount up wings of an eagle

Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.

He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.

Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

                                                                                  (Isa 40:28-31 KJV)

I have been a bit weary lately. It seems it gets more and more difficult each day to get anything accomplished. We are in the process of selling our home in Michigan. We have been waiting to close on the sale for months. I have paperwork laying all over my office. Every time I think we're close to closing, I'm ruffling through all of the stacks of paper once again. The title company seems to be having problems figuring out things. Today is exactly four months after we accepted the offer. So... I am feeling very weary. I have to keep reminding myself that God will take care of things according to his will and in his time so I am editing and reposting this story I wrote a year ago to remind myself and you to trust the Lord to give us strength in all things.

I was on a sabbatical kayaking on the southern shore of Lake Superior many years ago. The stretch I was traveling that day was very remote. There was no cell service. There were no roads. There were no homes along this stretch of shoreline. There were only woods. There was also a storm that came up once I was on the water. The rain was light; but, there was a lot of wind and some really rough wave action. It was not the first time that I had paddled during small craft warnings. If it had not been for my husband waiting at a park with lunch for me at the end of this stretch I would have pulled up on shore and set up my tent until the weather calmed down. But, he was expecting me and I knew that if I was way too late he would have the Coast Guard out looking for me. Although, weary from battling the wind and waves I was determined to keep going. 

I was finally quite exhausted. The wind and the rain had gotten worse so I decided to go on shore and eat a little bit of lunch hoping that the storm would die down a bit. The landing was a little rough; but, not too bad. I ate lunch taking cover under a tree from at least some of the rain. The prospect of launching was a little daunting as the water grew fiercer. I love Lake Superior; but, she is something to be very wary of so I laid down and fell asleep  waiting for her to calm down. When I opened my eyes I beheld a bald eagle on a limb above me; looking down; watching me. I could see his eyes plainly. I could see every wet feather on his head. I remembered this verse from Isaiah: "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." 

My strength was renewed. I got up and back out on the water with the assurance that God was with me. The launch was much rougher than the landing. I struggled against the waves as I launched and paddled far enough from the shoreline to where it was not quite so rough. It took over six hours for me to make the about three hour journey to where my husband was waiting for me. And... yes, he had grown very worried. But, thankfully he had not called the Coast Guard, yet! 

There are many days that we grow weary. Sometimes the storms of life wear us out. Sometimes even the lack of storms can actually make us weary of life; weary of the same old things. But, no matter what causes us to grow weary and to lose our strength or our courage to move forward, we can know that God is with us. We can be confident that He will give us power and strength. He gives us the courage to rise up with wings like eagles and keep going no matter what challenges the days will bring us.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Life In These Old Tents

 

Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.

For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.

For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

                                                                            (2 Cor 4:14-18, 5:1 KJV)

Day be day these fleshly tents we live in grow sick. They grow weary as we advance toward the day when we will shed these earthly tabernacles to live in the eternal heavens; the kingdom of God. Even as the bodies advances toward destruction; the spirit does not. The spirit continues to hope for the kingdom which is not seen while in the body; while in these old tents. 

No matter what troubles we may face in our daily lives we know that they are temporary. The trials of this world are temporary; but, in Christ we have eternal life! We have eternal peace. For now we endure the light afflictions even as we look to the day when "...God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." (Rev 21:4)

Life in these old tents can be trying for sure; but, there is also a lot of joy in the life that we live today. While we wait for that day when the things we do not see become completely realized in our lives may God help us to live life with the abundance he has given us for life in these earthly tabernacles he has provided us with.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

He Gives Strength To The Weary

 

Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.

He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.

Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

                                                                                  (Isa 40:28-31 KJV)

I was on a sabbatical kayaking on the southern shore of Lake Superior. The stretch I was traveling that day was in a remote area. There was no cell service. There were no roads. There were no homes along this stretch of shoreline. There was only the woods. There was also a storm that came up once I was on the water. The rain was light; but, there was a lot of wind and some really rough wave action. It was not the first time that I had paddled during small craft warnings. If it had not been for my husband waiting at a park with lunch for me at the end of this stretch I would have pulled up on shore and set up my tent until the weather calmed down. But, he was expecting me and I knew if I was way too late he would have the Coast Guard out looking for me. Although, weary from battling the wind and waves I was determined to keep going. 

I was finally quite exhausted. The wind and the rain had gotten worse so I decided to go ashore and eat a little bit of lunch and hopefully the storm would die down a bit. The landing was a little rough; but, not too bad. I ate lunch taking cover under a tree from at least some of the rain. The prospect of launching was a little daunting as the water grew fiercer. I love Lake Superior; but, she is something to be very wary of so I laid down and fell asleep  waiting for her to calm down a bit. When I opened my eyes I beheld a bald eagle on a limb above me; looking down; watching me. I could see his eyes plainly. I could see every wet feather on his head. I remembered this verse from Isaiah: "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." 

I got up and back out on the water with the assurance that God was with me and that my strength was renewed. The launch was way rougher than the landing as I struggled against the waves to get back out and far enough from shore where it was not quite so rough. It took me some time to get to the park where my husband was waiting. What should have been a three no longer than a four hour paddle had turned into over a six hour journey. And... yes, he had grown very worried. But, thankfully he had not called the Coast Guard, yet! 

There are many days that we grow weary. Sometimes the storms of life wear us out. Sometimes the lack of storms can actually make us weary of life; weary of the same old things. But, no matter what causes us to grow weary and to lose our strength or our courage to move forward, we can know that God is with us. We can be confident that He will give us power and strength. He gives us the courage to rise up with wings like eagles and keep going no matter what challenges the days will bring us.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

We Are Perishing; Yet Live

For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

                                                                                    (2 Cor 4:16-18 KJV)

This morning, my outward body is reminding me that it is perishing. I have been slowly moving stuff into our new home and helping to prepare the house so that we can soon live in it. I shampooed carpets for two days and then we decided that the carpets; although they looked much better, were just too filled with dirt to remain. My husband has severe COPD. It was becoming apparent just from being in the house that the carpets had to go. Thanks be to God that our granddaughter, Ashley, has been working on pulling the old carpets up as her father has been repairing major things like water pumps and replacing drywall in a bedroom. There is a lot of work to be done there that my husband and I could do a few years ago; but, are no longer physically able. 

But, just from what I have been able to do, my body is aching. I slept for over twelve hours last night! I think that is a record for me! My body is getting a bit worn out; but, Christ who lives and dwells in me continues to strengthen me. He  renews my spirit even as my body wears out. There is always hope.

This world is not all there is. The pain and suffering; the trials and tribulations,  the light or heavy afflictions, that we might endure now in these temporal bodies will pass. Our hope lies in living in the eternal presence of God through Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord.

God's Peace - Pr. J

With Wings Like Eagles

Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

                                             Isaiah 40:30-31 KJV

We all get weary from time to time. Physical weariness can sometimes be quite satisfying when it comes from a long, hard day of work. 

The dark days of winter often bring another kind of weariness. Emotional, mental, or spiritual weariness often settles on us during these days of less light. This kind of weariness is never satisfying. It is a struggle for many to overcome this type of weariness that is often accompanied by deep depression. 

This kind of weariness is not overcome alone. We must trust that the  Lord will renew our strength. He will shine light on the darkness of our hearts and minds. He will send His Spirit upon us so that we might once again soar like an eagle through the trials of the day. 

In Christ, we shall run and not be weary.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Scarlet or White?

though your sins be as scarlet
they shall be as white as snow

Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the Lord hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me.

The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider.

Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the Lord, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward.

Why should ye be stricken any more? ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint.

                                                                              (Isaiah 1:2-5 KJV)

Who do you worship? Who or what is your god? Do you really love the Lord enough to repent of your sinful ways? Do you understand that he died to make the unrighteous righteous? 

The Lord's warning through Isaiah to Israel is to be heard by all of us of these generations as well. Is your life laden with iniquity? Iniquity begets more trouble in our lives than anyone needs. However, following in the way of the Lord will be peace to your troubled and angry souls.

There is a promise in this first chapter of Isaiah along with the warning. It is: "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." (Isa 1:18)

The guilt of our sins stand out for everyone. Red as crimson they catch the eye of those around us. But, by the red blood of Jesus they are washed away by faith in his life giving sacrifice for us. The unrighteous become righteous by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. 

Step aside from the path of iniquity; turn your life around and follow in the footsteps of Jesus that you and your neighbors might live in peace.

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Weary Wait Upon The Lord

Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.

He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.

Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. 

                                                                                     (Isa 40:28-31 KJV)

I am waiting. I am waiting for the Lord to renew my strength. I can walk. I can still kayak. But, running is pretty limited! Recently retired; having grown faint and weary of having to spend so much time and effort with so many issues  that had nothing to do with proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom through Jesus the Christ.

The church on earth must return to the main thing: proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. To do otherwise only makes for faint and weary children of God. To do otherwise will cause the various congregations and denominations to fall. And, rightfully so if they will not trust the Lord.

After the Christ's crucifixion, the disciples hid out in an upper room. They waited in fear for the authorities to come after them. They continued to wait even after they saw the resurrected Lord. They waited to be endued with the power of the Holy Spirit that Jesus promised would come. The Holy Spirit came and they were lifted up. Their strength was renewed and they were dispersed to spread the news that Jesus is truly the Messiah, the Savior of the world. They were empowered, even in the face of death, to spread the news that Jesus lives.

Most of us do not face death for sharing that Good News. I often wonder if  the reason that we are not more energetic in sharing that Good News might be  because we aren't really persecuted. After all, here in the United States, we are not in danger of dying for sharing the love of God in Christ Jesus. 

Consider the Christians around the world who are persecuted; who are imprisoned; who are put to death for their faith. Have they not been strengthened to confess Jesus as Lord in the face of their oppressors? 

What will it take for those who claim to be Christians to stand up with their brothers and sisters around the world and without fear enthusiastically tell others that Jesus died so that they might live; that they might be reconciled to our Father; our Creator, in heaven? 

I confess, I have grown weary. I long to see the day when Christians are empowered in this country to not just worship out of obligation on Sunday mornings; but, let the world around them know that Jesus is Lord every day of the week.

We live in a beautiful world. God has created it most magnificently. But; I confess, that on too many days I feel very weary of this world and particularly the lack of faith in the one true God that I witness around me. But, I also trust that "...they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." 

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Weary Will Rise Up With Wings Like Eagles

Even youths will faint and be weary,

and the young will fall exhausted;

³¹ 

but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength,
they shall mount up with wings like eagles,
they shall run and not be weary,
they shall walk and not faint.

(Isaiah 40:30-31 NRSV)

I am no longer a youth. There are days that cause me to wonder why I have not fallen completely exhausted. There are days when I would like to. But, for those who are called by the Lord to serve, we do not fall. We might lie down for a bit; but, we do not crumble to the ground. We may have to wait a bit until the Lord has completely renewed our strength. We do not give up because we know that if we wait upon him, he will surely lift us up.  

While kayaking along the shore of Lake Superior, years ago, I got caught in a storm. There were no roads; no towns; not even houses for many, many miles. I had my cell phone on me; but, there was no cell service along that stretch of the shore. I kept paddling for as long as I could because my husband was waiting for me about ten miles down the shore with lunch and I knew he would be panicking when he didn't hear from me. The going was very slow. It finally got so rough that I finally had to pull onto a sandy beach. I was hesitant in doing so because I knew although the landing would go okay; I wasn't sure how I'd launch again if the wind and waves did not calm down.

I pulled the kayak up under a tree and ate lunch. I lay down to watch the water. It didn't take me long to fall asleep. When I opened my eyes, I was looking into the eyes of a bald eagle. He was sitting in the branches above me, watching me. He was so close that I could see every single wet feather on his head. He, too, had taken a break from the storm. When he finally flew back out over the water, I knew that I had rested on that shore long enough. Although the winds had not slowed down much, my strength had been renewed. I was ready. As expected, I got pretty wet launching the kayak and it took twice the time it should have to get to where my husband was waiting and worrying. But, I was ready to go.

According to the prophet Isaiah: even youth will grow weary; but those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength and we shall mount up with wings like eagles. 

May you be granted the peace that comes with knowing that God is with you and no matter what the storm, the Lord will lift you up.

God's Peace - Pr. J

We Shall Not Be Weary

Even youths will faint and be weary,

    and the young will fall exhausted;

but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their        strength,

   they shall mount up with wings like eagles,

they shall run and not be weary,

   they shall walk and not faint.

                              (Isaiah 40:30-31 NRSV)

We all get weary from time to time. Physical weariness can sometimes actually be quite satisfying when it comes from a long, hard day of work. However, I have not found emotional, mental, or spiritual weariness to ever be satisfying. It is a struggle for many to overcome this type of weariness that often brings depression. 

Depression and emotional weariness is not overcome alone. There is no just getting over it. We wait on the Lord and trust Him to renew our strength. He will send helpers; friends and sometimes professionals, to walk beside us as we go through the valley of darkness. He will send His Spirit upon us so that we might once again soar like the eagle through the trials that assail us. 

In Christ, we shall rise again. We shall run and not be weary. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Lord Renews Our Strength

On Eagle's Wings

Life brings us a lot of challenges. There are days when I wonder how I will manage to get everything done that I'm supposed to be doing and to be in so many places at one time. There are so many people in need; so many who suffer; so many who are alone and lonely. How can we help them all? I make a lot of lists. If I don't, by the time I get home, I realize that I have not gotten to someone or something that I had intended to get to.

It can seem overwhelming at times. Lists help to keep me on point. But, more importantly rising early to study God's word and to spend time in prayer is essential if I want to be prepared to meet the day and any challenges the day might bring. I find strength in God's word and in his presence. I need to be able to talk to him and listen to Him and trust Him.

Isaiah reminds us that we are to wait and to trust in the Lord. He will give us the strength to meet the challenges.

"Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
his understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the faint,
and strengthens the powerless.
Even youths will faint and be weary,
and the young will fall exhausted;
but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength,
they shall mount up with wings like eagles,

they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." 

                                                      Isaiah 40:28-31 NRSV 

We all grow weary at times. Trust in and lean on the One who does not grow weary. His strength never fails Him or us.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Soaring Above Obstacles

Let Us Soar Above All Obstacles

He gives strength to the weary
    and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
    and young men stumble and fall;
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.
                             (Isaiah 40:29-31 NIV)

We all get weary at times. Sometimes, a person can get so weary that they would rather not get out of bed in the morning. It can be very wearisome dealing with hateful people so often. It is wearisome to see people publicly and viciously attacked for no other reason than they don't agree with everything they say or do; because they are not getting their own way all of the time. It is wearisome to have to take care of any of the numerous things we have to take care of in this world and trust that others who are supposed to be helping you know what they are doing. And... when you find out that they don't know what they're doing; it is wearisome to have to do the job that they are being paid for in order for you to get done what needs doing.

Life can be very wearisome; but, for those who hope in the LORD, the obstacles will not get you down. They will not put you out. Those who hope in the LORD will have their strength renewed and they will keep on going. No matter who slanders them; no matter what obstacles are put before them, those who hope in the LORD will rise up in strength and soar above all the troubles as though on the wings of an eagle.

We may feel a bit overwhelmed at times; but, we will not faint. We will rise up and run. We will win the race with the help of God.

God's Peace - Pr. J

With Wings Like Eagles

Even youths will faint and be weary,
    and the young will fall exhausted;
but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength,
    they shall mount up with wings like eagles,
they shall run and not be weary,
    they shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:30-31 NRSV

We all get weary from time to time. Physical weariness can sometimes actually be quite satisfying when it comes from a long, hard day of work. However, I have not found emotional, mental, or spiritual weariness to ever be satisfying. It is a struggle for many to overcome this type of weariness that often brings depression. It is not overcome alone. We must wait on the Lord and trust Him to renew our strength. He will send His Spirit upon you so that you might once again soar like the eagle through the trials of the day.  

 

In Christ, we shall run and not be weary.

 

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Lord Renews Our Strength

On Eagle's Wings

Life brings us a lot of challenges. There are days when I wonder how we will meet all of these challenges. There are so many people in need; so many who suffer; so many who are alone and lonely. How can we help them all? I make a lot of lists. If I don't, by the time my day is ending, I realize that I have not gotten to someone or accomplished something that I had intended to.

It can seem overwhelming at times. Lists help to keep me on focus. But, more importantly rising early to study God's word and to spend time in prayer is essential if I want to be prepared to meet the day and any challenges the day might bring. I find strength in God's word and in his presence. I need to be able to talk to him and listen to Him and trust Him.

Isaiah reminds us that we are to wait and to trust in the Lord. He will give us the strength to meet the challenges.

"Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
    his understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the faint,
    and strengthens the powerless.
Even youths will faint and be weary,
    and the young will fall exhausted;
but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength,
    they shall mount up with wings like eagles,
they shall run and not be weary,
    they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:28-31 NRS 

We all grow weary at times. Trust in and lean on the One who does not for His strength never fails Him or us.

God's Peace - Judy 

Renewed Strength

Even youths grow tired and weary,
    and young men stumble and fall;
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.
                            Isaiah 40:30-31 NIV

Life brings us a lot of challenges. They can seem overwhelming at times. There are even times I'd like to throw in the towel and walk away from everyone and everything. The only thing that can keep me going in times like that is faith in the unfailing and unending love of God. However, that faith must be nurtured. If I were to neglect studying and hearing God's word daily; if I did not spend many hours a day in prayer; my faith would fail me. I would surely fall. I depend on God's word and His promises for my very life.

In order to find the strength and desire to meet the day and any challenges the day might bring I turn to God's word and His presence. I need to be able to talk to him and listen to Him and trust Him. I need to be with the One who I can trust to truly lift me up above the challenges and sorrows of this world. 

We all grow weary and weak at times. Trust in and lean on the One who does not grow weak for His strength never fails Him or us. He will give us the strength to meet the challenges of the day ahead. Trust Him! 

God's Peace - Pr. J 

Renew Our Strength

"...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." Isaiah 40:31 NIV

Each day brings new challenges. New challenges can either invigorate us or wear us out. But, those who trust in the Lord keep moving forward, facing those challenges. We do so, not by our own power or might; but, because the Lord is with us and strengthens us.

Jesus calls us to follow him wherever he would lead. The road is not always easy. It is in fact impossible for mere human beings. But, with God, all things are possible. (Matt 19:26)

Lord, renew our strength that we might follow Jesus and do thy will.

God's Peace - Pr. J