HomeWord - Aug. 19, 2008

Soar on Wings Like Eagles 
This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.  He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.  Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 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 40:28-31

At the Beijing Olympics, Hunter Kemper will compete for the Gold medal in the triathlon.  On June 22, 2008, he solidified his spot on the USA Olympic Triathlon Team.  Here is what Hunter had to say about his qualifying race:

“… I definitely felt God’s strength and was very pleased about the outcome of the day…I experienced a sense of peace before the race began because I knew that I did what I could to prepare, and I ultimately felt like God was in control….The end of the race was extremely emotional for me. I came into the grandstand area and grabbed the American flag as I turned the corner for the finishing chute. I was overcome with emotion because of all that I’ve been through the past 18 months. Dealing with injury had taken a toll on me not only physically but also mentally. There were times that I definitely had doubts, and days that I wanted to quit. I wasn’t sure if I was going to make it back to my 3rd Olympic Games. I cried like a baby when I crossed the line reflecting on all the hardships I faced the past year and a half. My performance was not accomplished on my own strength, but with the help of God. I felt like I was “soaring on wings like eagles” the entire race...”

At times it gets tiring and challenging to run the race God has called us to run.  The day-in and day-out of life can take its toll.  But Isaiah reminds us that even in God’s almightiness and omnipotence, God has the power to help each of us sustain.  The God of the universe, creator of all things, cares about each of our needs and desires to give us the strength to rise above the challenges of life. 

So the next time you feel down or tired, unsure if you can even take another step, call on God, the source of strength and power, for He will give you wings like eagles.

Going Deeper: 

1. No matter how big or small the challenges are in your life, the Creator of the universe want you to turn to Him as your source of strength.  In what areas of your life do you need to call on Him for help?  
2. Do you believe that you can trust God with your life?  It can be hard to hand over control.  Pray and ask God to help you accept the gift of His everlasting strength.  

Further Reading: 
Romans 8:35-37; 2 Corinthians 4:8-10; Hebrews 12:1-4