Friday, March 19, 2010

Holy Uprising - Fri Mar 19

"He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
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." Isaiah 40:29-31

Recently I challenged the high school girls (GNO) with this verse - to take these 40 days and see where they are right now.

Are you soaring?
Do you continually feel God's presence? Do you have full confidence that He not only hears your prayers but He is answering them as well? Do you see God's hand of blessing in your life? When an eagle soars, it's effortless - it lets the wind currents do the work for it. When we are soaring, we let God do the 'work' for us - we simply stay obedient to reading His word, prayer, and accountability. I think Jesus was soaring when he performed miracles! If you're soaring right now, enjoy it! Rest in His blessings!

Isaiah also says we may be running. Maybe you are in His word, you are praying, you are being obedient, but every day feels like you're against the wind. At times you get out of breath with the struggles, but as you persevere, you hit those times when your breathing gets back into rhythm and you know you'll make it to the finish line. I think Jesus may have felt like this in the Garden of Gethsemane - frustrated that his best friends couldn't stay awake, yet knowing He was fully in the presence of God. If you're running today, keep going! Keep praying, stay in God's word, find someone to be accountable to! Don't envy those who are soaring - find the lessons God wants you to learn in the frustrations. Maybe you need to take the focus off yourself and serve others - with simple acts of kindness or even a note of appreciation.

And then Isaiah says some of us will simply walk. One foot in front of the other. When all seems hopeless, keep walking. When Jesus carried his cross, he stumbled, but he kept going. You may be depressed, fearful, unmotivated to even get up in the morning. Serving others doesn't even seem like an option. Keep walking - He will keep you from fainting! Keep hoping, keep being faithful and He will renew your strength. Take one step each day.


Now, read the passage again. Recognize where you are and claim His promises. HE, will make you soar!

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