Devotions: Strength for the Weary, Power for the Powerless

 

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 40:30-31 New American Standard Bible 1995

 

We often view young men as being the strongest and most untiring. They can outrun and outmuscle just about anyone. Yet their strength is not inexhaustible. They do eventually grow tired and even falter with weariness. Yet those who hope in God will keep going, not out of any strength of their own, but from God. He gives us new strength to keep going and freshens our vigor for the last mile. We need only to hope in Him, to put our trust in Him and surrender to Him. Any amount of trusting in ourselves will cause us to lose strength and heart. Pride and independence never pay when God is involved. Interestingly, the cross references for these verses contrast the wicked and righteous. The wicked grow weary and stumble, but the righteous keep going. Trusting in our own strength, doing things our own way, leads to our downfall, but living according to God’s standards and obeying and trusting Him will keep us going and give us the strength that we need. What is humanly impossible is not only feasible but common fare for those who submit their lives to Christ. We can do nothing in our own strength or by our own wisdom. Our best efforts are useless. Not that we can never literally move a single muscle without relying on God, but He is the one who makes it all possible. He gives us every breath and heart beat. And nothing we do without Him will be of any significance or value. It will all be useless chaff in the wind when all is said and done. With God, not only can we achieve more than humanly possible, but it will have great, everlasting value. We will be able to withstand insurmountable obstacles and opposition, defeating the mightiest of foes, and still have the strength and courage to get back up when we struggle or are struck down. Nothing against us will win, and no discouragement will prevail. Again, it is not our courage, strength or wisdom which accomplishes this, but God’s. It is only in putting our hope solely in Him, trusting His wisdom and submitting to His will that will give us what we need to do it.

Are you weary? Do you need strength? Do you try to do it on your own before turning to God? Put down your pride and self sufficiency, turn to your Creator and Savior, and accept His strength. Submit your life to God’s ways and will so that you will never fall. Hope only in Him.

 

 

 

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