But those who wait on the LORD
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31, NKJV)
Are there certain verses in the Bible that have become your favorites? Do they hold special meaning for you because God used them to sustain you and bring you through a difficult situation? I think we each have those special verses that speak to us in a special way.
Several encouraging Bible passages are often quoted and have become very familiar to us. Perhaps they are so well known because of the comfort and hope we feel as we meditate upon them. Many contain words of promise. One such verse is Isaiah 40:31. When life drags us down, we love its promise of strength to soar like an eagle.
An eagle in flight is a majestic sight. Eagles can rise 10,000 to 15,000 feet by using thermal air currents to soar. They can fly above the dark clouds and storms below. Although eagles fly at 20 to 40 miles per hour, while diving an they can accelerate to 100 mph. Their wings symbolize strength and power.
While Isaiah 40:31 says we will “mount up with wings like eagles,” the verse holds a conditional promise. God renews our strength when we wait on Him. One meaning of wait is “a state or attitude of watchfulness and expectancy” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). I like that!
Why is waiting so difficult for us humans? The Bible tells us to wait on the Lord, but what does that mean? It’s easy to become impatient, or perhaps even a bit resentful, when God doesn’t answer our prayers immediately. At one time or another, we’ve all probably questioned why God delayed in responding to our need.
Waiting requires patience, and patience requires trust. Trust comes from relationship. A patience that trusts does not fret or get upset when God says wait—or says nothing at all. “But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience” (Romans 8:25, ESV). Can we patiently trust during those times of silence and waiting?
Hebrews 6:15 says that Abraham “patiently endured” until he received the promise. Many others in the Bible—Noah as he built the ark, Joseph in prison, Daniel in captivity, Simeon and Anna in the Temple, John on Patmos—all waited and patiently endured. Can we do the same?
What about us and the trials we face today? Are we patiently waiting with unwavering trust for God to help us rise on eagle’s wings? In God’s own time, His perfect time, He will renew our spirits and give us strength to soar above the storms.
Because we wait upon the Lord,
Our strength will be renewed.
We will mount up with wings as eagles.
We will run and not be weary.
We will walk and not faint.
Romans 12:12 (ESV) reminds us to “rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”
Thank You, Lord, for the precious promises in Your Word. Help me to be patient as I wait for Your perfect timing to unfold in my life. I sometimes grow weary of the battles I face, but I know that You will renew my strength and will give me power to soar if I learn to trust and wait.
(We will look at some favorite Bible passages this week. Please take a moment to share a passage or verse that is especially meaningful to you in the Comments section.)
17 Comments
Proverbs 18:13
13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it,
it is folly and shame unto him.
I know this is a strange one, but this was(is) one of my greatest weaknesses! Especially with my husband. Answering something before I’ve heard it all. Trying to remember this scripture has helped me a lot!!!
Psalm 91
Philippians 4: 6,7 Thankfully, I do not suffer from anxiety. Yet, this scripture is dear to me and one I share with others a lot.
Jeremiah 29:11 is my favorite scripture. “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. (NLT)
I have held onto this scripture for as long as I can remember. I feel, after 46 years, I have stepped into this promise. I had a tough childhood and didn’t learn so many things that are so important to beginning life on my own. I have grown so much in my walk with God. I have been able to forgive myself of the poor decision-making I’ve made in my past this year and that seemed crucial to receiving so many things God has planned for me! God bless you and everyone at Word of Life Ministries.
Thank you for your beautiful testimony. God bless!
Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name. Psalm 86:11
“The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace.”
Psalms 29:11 NLT
Romans 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Isaiah 41:10
Fear not for I am with thee, be not dismayed for I an thy God, yea I will strengthen thee, yea I will help thee, yea I will uphold thee with the right hand if my righteousness.
This verse has been quoted as a mantra at times for me.
I was uplifted by this post; such a verse of hope. I find it hard to wait upon the LORD at times but you have encouraged me today. I will pray for more patience!
One of my favourite verses is 1John 4:4 “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. “ NIV
This verse was brought to my attention when I was battling depression.
I quote this verse every night before I sleep…..Acts 17:28 “For in Him I live, and move, and have my being.”
Along with Isaiah 40: 31….
John 17:20 This verse tells me Jesus not only prayed for the Apostles, but for me.
Psalm 23
The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want 🙏🏽
Keep reading this week!
Psalm 73:26 “My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever. “
……the joy of the Lord is your strength. Neh. 8:10b
….. Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. Zech. 4:6b
15 ¶ For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not. Isaiah 30:15
My 2023 verse
13 ¶ Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. Romans 15:13