May 18: Boundless strength

He gives strength to the weary and strengthens the powerless.  Youths may faint and grow weary, and young men stumble and fall, but those who trust 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 faint.  (Isaiah 40:29-31 HCSB)

One mistake people often make with the promises of God, are to assume that they are supposed to just “happen,” no matter what.  But all promises come with conditions, and this one is no exception.  It’s only for those who trust in the Lord.

Trust is a type of confidence, a firm assurance that God will come through for you, because He promises to, and because His character doesn’t allow Him to break His promises — ever.  We’re promised strength to run and to soar, despite our weakness and feelings of powerlessness.  It’s not a promise to make our problems vanish like magic.  There are plenty of times that God wants us to go straight through the thick of our problems, but instead of floundering and stumbling, He will cause us to soar right over them like an eagle flying above the storm.  We will be able to walk, run, and fly with an endless supply of energy and strength. 

For those who really trust in God’s love for them, problems become challenges to enjoy (really!) because though their emotions may tell them they are weak and helpless, their intelligent faith knows they are being made stronger, and that their victory is already certain.  Whether we are young or old, we don’t have to stumble and struggle in agony any more through the inevitable attacks of the devil.  We have this promise that we will soar on the wings of eagles — IF we steadily trust in Him.

Don’t waste another moment allowing your problems to beat you up.  If you feel like you are being battered in a storm, ask yourself if you really do trust in God as you should.  If you do, then claim this promise immediately.  Expect God to lift you up.  Get your mind out of the “gutter” of doubt and self-pity and take a hold of the supernatural strength that He wants you to experience.  

Today is Sunday.  Don’t reject coming to God’s House to hear from Him, and then complain that life is too hard.  Trust in Him more than ever, hold God to this promise, and watch yourself take flight.