“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles.”
The Eagle as a Sign of Renewal
The eagle is a bird that undergoes a lot of change in its early years. Even as it matures its feathers change colour to indicate its growth.
This process of constant renewal is used as a picture to help us understand that God’s help is ever available to us “who hope in the LORD” as a modern translation reads. Even when the rapid changes in our lives leave us without strength to cope with the pressures they bring along;
“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 40:31 NIV).
Waiting for Renewal
When all human help fails; we can wait for God. His help is sure to come. The waiting period is sometimes very frustrating as we see no sign of God or the goodness he has kept in store for us. Waiting and hope go hand in hand with patience. Sometimes to see the promises of God realized in our lives we need to hope against hope.
Most troubles in life come when we stop not to ask God for directions we are to take in our journey ahead. It is like not stopping for a moment at the crossroad to read the signpost. It results in loss of time and wasted efforts. The better option is to wait no matter how long it takes.
No doubt waiting is difficult because we do not know when God is going to act on our behalf. In a classic instance, Jesus waited two more days where he was when he was told his friend Lazarus was sick. He reached Lazarus’ tomb four days after he was dead. Jesus wept. And then he commanded, “Lazarus, come out.”
Delays Lead to Renewal and Blessing
The delay was for God’s greater glory as it revealed his authority and power even over death. The delay resulted in that great miracle of a man being raised from the dead.
But delays often test the limits of our patience. And when all our strength is gone; and we have even no strength left to weep; God our Comforter will come like a pent-up flood and fulfil for us our heart’s desire. Then will we find the promise true that there is renewal of strength with God and those who hope in God will not be disappointed! They will soar on wings like eagles!
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