Turn the Page

 

Turn the Page

Isaiah 40:31, is an inspiring promise of God’s strength for us as we trust Him, stating: "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint".

This promise was originally given to Israel during their exile in Babylon, a time of great weariness, spiritual fatigue, and emotional despair. It offers hope and reassurance, illustrating that waiting on God brings renewed energy, the ability to rise above challenges like an eagle, and the perseverance to continue life’s journey without growing weary or faint. We often rightly link this theme of God’s faithful care to our faith and endurance…our continuation.

God powerfully generates hope and strength, promising that those who wait on Him will indeed renew their strength, soar like eagles, run without growing weary, and walk without fainting. We secure real help knowing this symbol of God’s empowerment for life’s challenges grants us perseverance, encouraging reliance on God for endurance and renewal when we feel exhausted. 

Is it nerve wracking standing on the very edge of a new chapter in your story? The temptation to retreat to the familiar is terribly unrelenting. Challenged with the unknown…you still have so many questions…. The timing seems off…it’s too soon. You feel uncomfortably rushed.

You cannot merely settle for your past defining you…though. That is unconscionable! Your history is blanketed with regrets and miscalculations. Perhaps you have never ventured beyond your routine. Or…you were courageously steaming ahead seemingly only to be burned, and since then you have been simply treading water. Quitting is not an option…you can’t just walk out of your own story.

There are still things you want to do, aspects of God you wish to experience directly for yourself, heights to which you still dream of ascending to…. You are not done exploring, experiencing, and taking the needed chances. You have episodes that are especially remarkable, yet there is so much more to you. There is so much more God has in store for you. Please don’t be afraid to dream big with Him! Don’t allow your fears, reluctances, or timidity to rob you of your deepest desires. Hope and future life intertwined with the Lord can only be supremely productive, meaningful and significant! Definitely, learn, reimagine, and perceive your past correctly, but rivet your sights on your future…God’s vision in Christ.

Yes, Isaiah 40:31, is a promise of supernatural strength for us as we trust and wait on our Lord! We will gain divine power to rise above difficulties, soar like eagles, and endure life's challenges (running and walking without fainting) because God renews our strength as we depend on Him, not our own puny might. So, if you feel weary, this is your hope assuring you of spiritual and physical resilience through reliance on God's everlasting power. You and I do not traverse the challenges alone no matter our human weaknesses. We can rejoice the Lord is with us every step of the way. So, go ahead and turn the page.

This is God’s reminder of encouragement when we are feeling the incredible weight of our burdens assuring us that He provides the toughness, spirit, resilience, and power we need to overcome trials, frustrations, intimidations, and weaknesses through faith and trust in Him. It is okay and advisable to trust Him still as you move forward.

There is no guarantee you will not make mistakes in the future. God can be relied on still. You don’t enjoy the privilege of knowing the details of the next steps with certainty. You will have anxious moments, and your metal will be testing again. God is gracious and filled with unimaginable mercy! Positive developments are not definite even when you have curated the best options. What is assured; however, is that you will change. You decide if that is for better or worse. Certainly, there is an upward trend in the Lord. But…still…turn the page. The next chapter in your story just may be a page turner.

Don't Give Up!

 Don’t Give Up!

Quitting is a natural response to intimidating challenges. Giving up, walking out, throwing in the towel, and checking out are automatic reactions for too many of God's people when faced with hardnesses. Our Lord understands this weakness and inclination; He prescribes that we take courage instead. In effect God says, 'When you must walk through floodwaters and fires, I will see you through them all….trust Me', says our Lord God. Notice His exact words to ancient Israel as they faced a tumultuous future, “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee” (Isaiah 43:2). Though the Lord indicated Israel would faces some serious challenges in the days ahead, He sought to assure them of His love, presence, and protective hand. He did not promise the hardness will not touch them and He did not promise to take away all of their cares and concerns. He did promise that He would be with them every step of the journey. Acknowledging the truth that He is truly with us when life hurts is key to surviving the fires and floods of life. Take careful note of MacDonald’s strengthening comments,

In tones of tender love, Jehovah assures His people that they need not … fear, because He who created, formed, redeemed, and called them will be with them in the flood and fire. The Holy One of Israel gives Egypt as their ransom, a promise that was fulfilled after the return of the Jews from captivity. –MacDonald, W. (1995).

Beloved, our great God knows YOU, and He fully understands exactly where you are. He has not lost you in the floodwaters or the fiery trials! Though life presently hurts beyond your ability to express, our Lord is not oblivious, nor has He ceased to care deeply. Remember, He created you with a definite purpose in mind, He redeemed you making you His very own—dislodging you from any obligations to sin, He has graciously provided for you and sustained you, and He has been diligent to protect you from all dangers—both seen and unseen. Therefore, in these perplexing times refuse to be overwhelmed with fears! Deny the devil a victory by declining the indulgence of doubts. Do not give up or in because you are weary and tired! Don't quit because you feel abandoned and alone. Why? You can continue because you are not alone! Yes, you may feel alone, but you are not actually alone! Our Lord said, "I will be with thee". Again the God who cannot lie said, “I will be with thee” (Isa. 42:3). Therefore He is indeed with you through the fires and the floods! Mark yourself by pure wisdom because you consciously chose to trust this promise from an honest God! Believe Him now. Don’t give up because you are afraid, weary, gun-shy, or feel alone!