February 9

Changing Our Strength

But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint. — Isa 40:31 BSB

These words will likely be read by some who have lost heart. The strain of life has become too much, and they are ready to give up in despair. It feels as though God has forgotten to be gracious, and in His anger has withheld His mercy. To all such people, Isaiah has a message: God is not tired—though you may be. Wait upon the Lord, and He will renew your strength (see Isaiah 40:31).

The issue is not in changing your circumstances, but in changing your endurance, courage, and hope for victory. Then, no matter what challenges arise, you will mount up on wings like eagles, you will run without growing weary, and you will walk without fainting.

Isaiah presents an interesting order: mounting up—running—walking. We might have thought it should be the other way around: first walking, then breaking into a run, and finally soaring on wings like an eagle. But experience confirms that Isaiah is right! We start by mounting up, then run, and finally walk.

Let us claim the promise: “Those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength.” Too often, we have relied on the emotional highs of church services, sermons, or spiritual retreats to rekindle the fire in our hearts. We have returned to our daily lives with a renewed zeal, only to find that after a time, we grow weary once again. We run and get tired; we walk and become faint.

But if we want to soar again, we must turn to the Lord and renew our strength. Time wears us down; circumstances weaken us; and sin can block our connection with God. But when we look away from ourselves and turn our eyes to Jesus, we will find new strength. “My soul, wait only upon the Lord, for my hope is in Him.” Look not back but forward, not down but up, not inward but outward. Look to Jesus, made near and alive by the Holy Spirit. As you wait upon the Lord, your strength will be renewed.

Prayer

You know, Lord, how often I am hindered in running the race set before me. May Your grace and mercy come to my aid, so I may finish my course with joy and receive the crown of life. Amen.