Prayer:

Heavenly Father Your strength is perfect. You can restore what is weak. Lord, there are so many that desperately need your strength. I lift up those fighting this illness, either as a First Responder or their body is physically fighting against this virus. Lord, please cover them with your righteous hand.

Gracious Lord, please draw near to men and women who have lost their job during this time. Father, You provide our every need because You care for us. May they be encouraged, knowing You have gone before them, and You are close behind them. There is nothing that catches you by surprise. You are with them and never leave them. May Your promises in Your Word renew our strength. Father, may your will be done in our land. For it is safer in your hands, oh Lord, than on our own. I pray this in Jesus name, Amen. 

READ

Those who hope in the LORD shall renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. 

-Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)

The word HOPE in this verse, translated in Hebrew, is Qavah: wait, look, gather, hope, and expect. 

What does waiting in the LORD look like? Are we to remain still in our waiting? I don’t believe so.  

This verse mentions waiting in the LORD, but the results transpire action or movement. Before we can climb, run, or walk we must learn the steps to ensure our success. There is training in our waiting! 

I watched a young bird stand on the edge of its nest, spread its wings, and flapped eagerly attempting to fly. Thus leaning forward, he leaped with instantaneous descent towards the ground. As I watched with concern, the bird didn’t hesitate with his next move. He turned towards the tree using all his strength and climbed back up to try again. Astonished by this little bird’s tenacity, he was the very illustration I needed because I felt defeated.   

Before that little bird made his attempt to fly, he observed his parents when they took to the sky. Maintaining his focus, the little bird practiced their steps until he got them right. He always anticipated to fly.  

Compelled by his desire to fly, the little bird persevered. His aim transformed his drive and later that day I watched him fly.

I ponder over that little bird’s attempts to reach his ambition. And it got me think… Where was my aim? What anchored my drive? God reclaimed my focus that day and renewed my strengthen.

The young bird’s wisdom to observe, practice, and repeat is one we should implement.  Scripture offers great people of the faith, to mirror. They know how to wait in Lord.  Read about them, and take similar steps as you train and He will perfect your aim.

Perhaps there is someone you know exemplifies a passion for God, that you admire. Watch as they live out their faith. Ask questions. Notice the way they seek God. Observe how they lean into Him on every turn. Listen to their response after their knees hit the floor. And then train in those behaviors, you’ll begin to desire Him more. 

So, when we become weary or grow faint, STOP and think where is my aim?

Praise:

His Strength is Perfect by Steven Curtis Chapman