Thursday Thoughts: How We Receive Strength For the Ride

 


 But those who trust in the Lord
    will receive new strength.
They will fly as high as eagles.
    They will run and not get tired.
    They will walk and not grow weak. (Isaiah 40:31)
From a purely human perspective, it was an unpleasant season of life.
My daughter’s medical expenses had drained our bank account. Leisure time was consumed by long hours of struggling through school work and our involvement in a new project with our church. Food choices were reduced to the bare bones-not much room for extras. Our daughter’s illness was in a chronic stage: no breakthrough. The emotional roller coaster she was on seemed to drag on day after day. It seemed as if anything that could possibly allow for a pleasant escape from this season was taken away. (To read more about that, read here: http://stephaniejthompson.com/2016/08/31/if-god-can-raise-a-man-from-the-dead-why-cant-he-keep-my-crockpot-from-falling-2/)
Yet, in the midst of it, I was reminded that hope ultimately cannot come from anything outside ourselves. Sure, God wants us to enjoy all that has been given to us. But, as we know, hope will only be found as we find refuge in our God-our Creator and Sustainer.
Not in full bank accounts. Not in a trouble free life. Not in good health. Not in people.
Did you know that the images here refer to the transformation that takes place as an eagle matures? God already knew what they needed. Their fluffy “baby” down becomes feathers as they develop. These stages of “strengthening” enable it to have the resources to thrive; to sustain the varied elements which may threaten it’s survival.
So it us with us. God continues to strengthen us by infusing us with his character so that we can sustain through varied elements which threaten to paralyze us.
I will continue to carry you even when you are old.
    I will take good care of you even when your hair is gray.
    I have made you, and I will carry you.
I will take care of you, and I will save you.
    I am the Lord. (Isaiah 46:4)
Sovereign Lord,
We lay ourselves before you; exhausted. We long for answers and comfort. But remind us that our endurance during these trials comes only from what you offer us. Help us to turn from sources of comfort which only give us short term gratification. Make us aware of what you have given to us in order to fly forward. We ask for clarity, strength and peace. . Amen