November 29

He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary. Isaiah 40:29-31.

God’s word is very clear about the source of our strength—it is in the Lord Himself. We all grow weary, but His strength never diminishes or fades. I am indebted to Chuck Swindoll, who points out that the Hebrew word for ‘wait’ is the same one used for weaving strands of rope. It is as if we were weaving our weak strands of thread with His strands of steel. It takes patience and time spent in the endeavor, but the result is new strength that goes beyond our imagination. God is ever so willing to provide His power if we would just take the time to ‘wait’ and bond ourselves with Him.

We will mount up like eagles. Yes I want to fly for the Lord. But what is this about running and not getting tired—about walking and not becoming weary? The order puzzles me. I would like to think that I would first walk, then run, and then fly. But that is not God’s way. I am prone to think that I improve in my performance as time goes on. I mistakenly think that I can get better at the Christian life through my own endeavors. Certainly flying is better than walking, I say. Silly creature that I am--do I not see that my life is totally from the Lord? His life never changes, let alone improves with time.

I can only conclude that the Lord has in mind for us that we ultimately are to learn to ‘walk’ and not become weary. It is the steady, close walk with Him that counts in the final analysis.

Today, Lord Jesus, I want only to walk with You. We have much to talk about, but my best moments will be when I listen to You. You know me fully, and I am gradually learning to know You. Thank You for Your love and the life You share with me. Amen.
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