ISAIAH 40:31

… but those that 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.

TO PONDER:

My thoughts immediately went to “soar with wings like eagles”, “run and not grow weary;  walk and not faint” …. How can this be, we don’t have wings and we can’t fly, and it is natural to grow weary, especially as we get older?  

However, as I sat pondering on this, I realised it is telling us that we can do all the above.  It is encouraging us to rise above hardships, challenges and life’s storms.  To remember it’s not in our strength, but by our hope and trust in the Lord, who supernaturally can give us that strength to get through.   

Have you ever had a dream, a wish of what you would like, a belief that it would come to pass? While thinking of these words, I began to remember a time in Sri Lanka where my visa needed renewing.  With the papers filled out, waiting in a long, noisy line for an hour with only one other foreigner in the line … I got to hand the papers in requesting another 10months and was bluntly told NO, only one month.  Not good enough, this was a challenge that only He could win, I went to the Lord in prayer and claimed those 10 months.   Off the official walked with my papers with a huge smile on his face … another hour or so and my name was called out, the smile had gone as he handed me my passport.  I waited till I got outside to look … 10 months. 

God words to Isaiah are encouraging us to spend time regularly in His presence, and to actively wait on Him through the word and prayer.  Persevere, actively waiting on his supernatural input into our lives.  Never give up on the power of faith and reliance of God.   

PRAYER: Heavenly father, you are an awesome God.  Thank you Lord for another answered prayer, another thing to show me and those around that you are a miracle working God. Thank you Lord that you’ve taught me through your word that we can all rise above hardships, challenges and life’s storms.  That it’s not by my strength Lord but yours.  You are a miracle working God. AMEN

Today's devotion written by Noeline Brock, LifeWay Online