Strength to Soar by Toni LaShaunExemplo

Rely for Relief and Rest

What do you do when you feel weak? What happens when everything around you is in unstable chaos? How do you move forward? Rely on God’s Strength, not your own.

Even youths will become weak and tired…(Isaiah 40:30)

What a relief! We may not be young, but we can get so tired. We can be mentally, physically, emotionally, and, though we hate to admit it, spiritually tired. So, this verse provides reassurance that even those who are normally filled with energy get tired, especially when faced with hardship after hardship.

So, where do we find the strength to even stand? It has to come from God.

God gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Isaiah 40:29

This is similar to what Paul said in the New Testament: God's Power works best in my weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Paul asked for the Lord to remove his weakness. We ask for God to remove our pain. God didn't remove Paul's, and He may not remove ours, but He does give us His strength to overcome.

Once we recognize our need to rely on His strength, we begin to make progress.

First, we stand. Sometimes, we've been down so long that standing is all we can do. And, even then, we may feel unstable, wobbly like a baby taking first steps. The beauty of a relationship with Christ is that He gives us stability; He is a firm foundation (1 Peter 5:10).

Next, we walk. And that's okay. We have to recognize that forward is forward no matter the speed. Everyone has their own pace. If we're walking with and waiting on God, we won't get worn out.

Then, in God’s timing, we can begin to run. When our faith is tested, our endurance grows (James 1:3). Once our faith is fortified, we can pick up our pace and still have energy because we are not trying to outrun God.

The next thing you know, you find yourself soaring; not by your own power or might, but with God-given strength. People who know your story may not understand how you have peace and joy. They may be perplexed at why you haven't fallen apart (at least that they've seen) and how you are thriving.

The answer is in one of the most familiar passages of Scripture:

I can do ALL things through Christ Who strengthens me!(Philippians 4:13)

When we stop relying solely on our abilities, recognize our weakness, and remain faithful to God, He will renew our strength. He will give us strength to soar!

Lord, teach us to rely on Your Strength. Please open our eyes to every bit of progress You help us make. In Jesus' Name!