Isaiah 40:31

…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 40:31

 

I know a lot of people are feeling weary these days…weary of the rules around safety for covid, weary of the limited visits we can do with the people we can see. We are weary of not having fellowship with those who are a part of our community, whether that is our church, our larger family group, or an organization we belong to – we are all just plain weary and weak. The sad thing is that in our weariness many are forsaking all safety just to end the drudgery of the restrictions. Our time of waiting has lasted longer than we expected, and when restrictions are lowered it seems the covid19 rears its ugly head and strikes harder and faster. I personally read of places which lowered restrictions only to have a resurgence of the disease and then have to pull back. Patience is definitely a virtue. Here in Isaiah, we are reminded where to put our hope and where our true strength comes from – the Almighty God. The eagle is the image Isaiah gives to us to show how we will rise again. There is a myth which claims the eagle flies near the sun every tenth year. When not able to bear the heat anymore, she falls into the sea and soon after loses her feathers, thereby renewing her vigor. She does this until the hundredth year, when after rising to the sun and falling into the sea she will rise no more. It is an interesting allegory. We too rise and fall in strength, in power and in vigor. Our hope though, is stronger than that of an eagle if it is based on the power of the Lord. Patience is needed in these days to rise above our weariness and desire for the world to “return to normal.” We cannot rush into what was, we never could, so why do we keep trying? Be patient and wait upon the Lord for strength…He will keep you until that time, and then you will fly like an eagle.

Pastor Julia

image: Jason Mowry


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