Isaiah 40:31

Isaiah 40 was written to the people of Israel during one of the most difficult seasons in their history. They had lost their land, their temple, and their freedom. They were living as exiles in Babylon with no end to their exile in sight.

In their exhaustion, they began to wonder if God had forgotten them. Isaiah 40:27 records what they were saying: "My way is hidden from the Lord, and the justice due me is disregarded by my God."

The entirety of Isaiah 40 is God's response. First, God reminds them of who He is. He is the Creator who measured the waters in the hollow of His hand and stretched out the heavens like a curtain. Then comes this promise: "He gives power to the weak. He increases the strength of him who has no might…Those who wait for the Lord will renew their strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles."

The same God who renewed the strength of weary exiles will renew your strength today.

"Will renew their strength" (יַחֲלִיפוּ כֹחַ / yachalifu koach)

The Hebrew word chalaph means to change, to exchange. This is not about resting and feeling a little better. This is a complete exchange. God takes your depleted strength and replaces it with brand new power.

"They will mount up with wings like eagles" (יַעֲלוּ אֵבֶר כַּנְּשָׁרִים / ya'alu ever kannesharim)

The Hebrew word alah means to go up or to rise. Eagles do not frantically flap to gain altitude. They spread their wings and let wind currents lift them higher. When you wait on God, His power lifts you above your limits and circumstances. His strength carries you so you can rise high.

"They will walk, and not faint" (יֵלְכוּ וְלֹא יִיעָפוּ / yelkhu velo yi'afu)

The Hebrew word halak means to walk or to continue. The word ayeph means to be faint or weary. God gives you endurance for the long journey. Strength to keep going day after day. You can walk the long road without fainting because God's power carries you.

I declare that the words of Isaiah 40:31 are true in my life.

• I wait on God as my source of hope.
• God renews my strength.
• He gives me power to rise above my circumstances.
• He gives me strength to run without growing weary.
• He gives me endurance to walk without fainting.

God,

Thank You for being my source of strength.

I tried to run on my own strength and I eventually hit a wall. I tried to handle things on my own and now I am feeling burnt out.

Today I choose to wait on You. I will let go of doing things my way with my strength. I will put my hope in you and completely depend on You.

Renew my strength, Lord. Give me power to rise up like an eagle. Give me strength to run without being weary. Give me endurance to keep walking without fainting.

In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.