MEMORY VERSE
“He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. 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.” Isaiah 40:29-31
The last part of this scripture is commonly read at funerals and memorial services. It’s the “soaring” and “running” part that speaks to people’s hearts. A few years ago we chose it as part of the scripture reading at my own father’s funeral.
I remember Dad going out to run when I was a teenager. He had a degenerative lung disease and was determined to do what he could to slow down its progression. In later years, when he required 24 hour supplemental oxygen, running wasn’t an option. Simply walking across the room was enough to tire him out.
Most people, when they reach the end of their lives, are too tired to soar and run. They’ve fought long hard battles with cancer, heart failure, ALS, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, chronic lung conditions, mental illness, depression, and any number of other diseases.
It’s comforting to know when our loved ones leave this life they are freed from the burden of illness that held them here on earth. In Jesus’ arms they are free to soar once again. They run with energy and joy far greater than we’ll ever experience in this lifetime.
Not only is it comforting to know this about our deceased loved ones, we can apply this verse to our own lives right now. I sometimes grow weary from life’s burdens. I’ve run the race of life too hard in the past and have fallen in exhaustion.
When I watch the news and see the atrocities that exist close to home I feel weak and powerless. What can I do to make any difference in the world around me?
These verses reassure us God makes a difference in our lives right now. Do you feel hopeless, ineffective, worthless, helpless, useless, incapable, tired, or inadequate? Take comfort, "He gives POWER to the weak and STRENGTH to the powerless."
Need a reminder about who God is? Read the rest of Isaiah 40, particularly from verse 12 onwards. These verses speak of the unimaginable power and magnificence of God. Isn’t that the kind of magnificence you want working in your life?
If you don’t know who God is, it’s time to get to know Him. It’s time to understand who He is and how much He loves you. It’s time to trust Him to look after you in the good times and in the bad.
To learn about God and His love for you read through the book of John in the New Testament. Take some time out of your busy day and talk to God in prayer. Pretend He’s sitting in the chair next to you and tell Him your hopes, your dreams, your problems, and your frustrations.
God will meet you where you are today. You can trust Him. Lean on this promise...
“He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. 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.” Isaiah 40:29-31
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