Psalm 26:7--That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.

Monday, November 19, 2012

My Eagle's Wings

Isaiah 40:31--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 week's post is more of a praise testimony than a devotion, but I hope it will still be encouraging. I decided to do this because Thanksgiving is this week. Also, this verse has been sitting at the top of my list of devotion verses for a while, and it has been so true in my life recently.

As you probably know, I am in my freshman year of college, and it has been a challenge, praise the Lord. Here I have been stretched more physically, emotionally, and spiritually than ever before. It has been hard, but by God's grace, everything has pushed and funneled me closer to Him. I can see God working in my life, setting up circumstances either to let me fail or depend on Him, either go crazy or find indescribable peace with Him, either seek satisfaction and be let down or find my ultimate pleasure in Him and let Him fill me overflowing with joy.

Isaiah 40:31 is one of many verses I have clung to during these times. It's one of the most famous verses in the Bible, and rightly so. The way it describes God's refreshment is so accurate: "they shall mount up with wings as eagles." What a beautiful thought. Ultimately, we know that the final fulfillment of this verse will be when we get to Heaven (Oh, what a day!), but I am living proof that God will fulfill this promise for you on earth, too.

Several times during this semester, I have been pushed to my limits, which pushes me to my knees. Then, as I kneel before God's great throne of grace and pour my heart out to Him, what happens is truly beyond words. His Spirit overwhelms me, His grace blankets me, His joy floods me, and I cannot help but laugh, sing, cry, praise, and worship--all in loving, reverent awe of my almighty Maker and Father. It truly is as if He gives me eagle's wings and I soar nigh to Heaven, and I have learned it is often during these times that I am closest to God. How sweet a reassurance to know God is the lifter up of my head and a very present help in trouble. If you've experienced this, you know what I'm talking about. If not, as I've said, I cannot rightly describe it; but I pray you would know it as well.

Leaning on God is the only way to make it through life, and He has been teaching me that so clearly. Daily I am learning how needy I am of His grace for every moment of even the smallest things in life, and I praise the Father for giving it to me. Without Him, I am nothing and can do nothing; but with Him and His strength, I can do all things.

So what troubles are you facing right now? Are you weary? Sick at heart? Ready to give up? Go to God. Let Him refresh you and give you joy and strength like you've never had before. Take hold of God's offer and mount up on the eagle's wings He has promised. I can testify this is true, but His Word is enough to assure us.

Blessed be the name of the Lord, to Whom thanks, glory, and honor belong forever and ever. Amen.

3 comments:

  1. This is so true. This semester has been one of the hardest as well as one of the most joyous times of my life. Thanks for the most encouraging post.

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  2. This verse has been an encouragement to me numerous times. What a blessing to know that we will one day reach the blessed city. And what a responsibility to know we still have so much work to do (spreading the Gospel) while we are here! Thanks for bringing this verse to my remembrance again.

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    1. You're welcome. I'm glad that, by God's grace, I could be an encouragement.

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