Written by REVELATIONS FOR TODAY by Pastor Michael Obata
Isaiah 40:31 – New International Version (NIV)
31 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.
We live in a challenging world that can be difficult for believers and non-believers alike. Christ Jesus did not promise a life on earth free from hardships. However, Christ promised victory and triumph over any and every challenge (John 16:33). We have a FATHER who cares for us and has already given us victory in Christ Jesus. When we hope in the LORD, we receive divine strength, empowerment, and spiritual endurance to overcome any and every difficulty we may experience in our Christian journey. Our faith as Christians faces constant challenges. Situations will test your beliefs, but let us stay strong. Having hope in the LORD can renew our strength in various aspects of life, such as health, finances, relationships, business, and career.
The verse advises us to place our hope in the LORD; some translations use the term “wait on the LORD.” This spiritual principle, when employed, guarantees victory over any hardship or challenge. At its core, the verse speaks to the spiritual discipline of putting our hope in the LORD. This “hope or waiting” is not passive idleness but an active and faithful dependence on GOD. It requires patience and confidence that our FATHER will act in HIS perfect timing. In a world that often glorifies instant gratification and self-reliance, Isaiah 40:31 redirects us toward a posture of humility and absolute trust. It challenges us to lean not on our understanding but to surrender control and embrace divine timing, knowing that God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness.
The imagery of “soaring on wings like eagles” evokes a vision of rising above life’s struggles with divine grace and supernatural ability (power). Eagles soar not by frantically flapping their wings, but by catching the wind and letting it lift them. In the same vein, when we hope in the LORD, HE uses the situation to lift us to a better position in life where our trust, gratitude and deep knowledge of HIS love, power and majesty increase. The LORD makes us believers to ride the currents of HIS power rather than striving in our strength. Furthermore, the promise that one will run and not be weary, walk and not faint speaks to divine endurance, protection, and perseverance. Life is often more of a marathon than a sprint, requiring sustained energy over time. Even though you may feel unseen in your struggles, remember Our Heavenly FATHER shall equip you for both the ordinary and the extraordinary when you wait on HIM.
In tough times — and even in blissful times — always surround yourself with Spirit-filled believers who will encourage you with the Word of God. Never isolate yourself because that is exactly the strategy of the devil. Do not wallow in self-pity because your spirit man will be weak and as such unable to discern the move of GOD. Be Patient. Be prayerful: praying and prophesying always in the spirit with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6). The promise of renewed strength is both literal and metaphorical. We have been equipped with the WORD of GOD and HIS SPIRIT that ensures our victory in every challenge. Let us continue fighting the good fight of faith. The bible describes it as a good fight because there is only one outcome: your victory (1 Timothy 6:12). Remember, challenges are only a test of your character, integrity, faithfulness, and righteousness. GOD is faithful; HE will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Scripture meditation
Matthew 4:1-11; Philippians 4:6-8; 1 John 2:4-6, Proverbs 3:1-5; & 1 Peter 5:10.
Prayer
Heavenly FATHER, I thank you for equipping me with Your WORD & Your SPIRIT. I receive the grace to hope in you always, that renews my strength and causes me to overcome every difficulty and challenge in JESUS’ NAME.
Confession
My strength is renewed for I soar high on the wings of the HOLY SPIRIT!