Isaiah 40:31 (NIV) - 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.
Merriam Webster defines vitality as the power of enduring; the peculiarity distinguishing the living from the nonliving; capacity to live and develop; physical or mental vigor especially when highly developed. I recently read an article by Yohan Perera on how to wait on the Lord. It was fascinating to read about the Eagle’s journey and the purpose for using an Eagle to explain the act of waiting.
The article explained that Legend says that an Eagle at the age of 30-50, flies to a high place and there it endures a harsh trial of endurance and change. It can’t fly because its feathers are overgrown. Therefore it plucks all the feathers from its body. It plucks its talons from its feet because the talons have grown curled and useless. Its beak has grown too long and curled. It breaks its beak against a rock. Defenseless, it cries out and waits for the time of renewal. Other Eagles hear its cry, and come to aid. They fly overhead, scaring off predators, and they bring food to their incapacitated friend.
Today’s verse is a reminder that at the end of the test, the Lord will renew your strength, you will soar on wings like eagles, you will run and not grow weary, you will walk and not be faint. The renewing of our strength requires that we wait upon the Lord even in the midst of great trials. Our faith and trust must be tested to gain strength like the eagle.
Dear God,
Thank you for the reminder to wait on you! That you will renew my strength and I will soar on wings like eagles. I pray that all your children learn to wait on you! That they trust that you will renew their strength and they will soar on wings like eagles. That they will be rewarded with increased vitality. I ask this in your son Jesus’ name. Amen!
Ilka V. Chavez