JULY 18, 2024
READ: Isaiah 40 (Focus vs. 27-31)
MEMORY VERSE
“They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary.” Isaiah 40:31
BACKGROUND
A pair of eagles built a giant nest in a tree a few miles away from my house. Before long, the enormous birds had eaglets. They cared for their hatchlings together until one of the adult eagles was tragically struck and killed by a car.
For several days, the surviving eagle flew up and down a nearby river, as if searching for the lost mate. Finally, the eagle returned to the nest and assumed the full responsibility of raising the offspring.
In any situation, single parenting can be challenging. The delight a child brings combined with possible financial and emotional pressure can create a broad range of experiences. But there’s hope for those who have this important role, and for anyone trying to manage a situation that feels overwhelming.
God is with us when we feel exhausted and discouraged. Because He’s omnipotent—all powerful—and doesn’t change, His strength won’t ever expire. We can trust what the Bible says: “Those who hope in [Him] will renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31).
Coming up against our own limits won’t determine what happens to us because we can depend on God to supernaturally recharge us. Hoping in Him allows us to walk and not faint, and to “soar on wings like eagles” (v. 31).
By: Jennifer Benson Schuldt
INSIGHT
Isaiah 40:30-31 includes three classifications of people. “Youths” refers to children into the teenage years. They’re often bundles of energy and vigor. But—naturally speaking—sooner or later, they wear out.
The term “young men” refers to those in the prime of life, but they also have limitations. The third category is a spiritual category that’s not defined by age, stage, or other human metrics: “those who hope in the Lord.”
Such are candidates for strength of a different kind—supernatural spiritual strength. It enables them to do through God what they can’t do on their own: “[God] is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20).
Those who put their trust in Him are candidates for Godlike spiritual strength. Like Him, in whom they trust, they “will not grow tired or weary” (Isaiah 40:28).
By: Arthur Jackson
APPLICATION
What feels overwhelming in your life? How might God be encouraging you to rely on His strength?
PR’s RE-EMPHASIS (From Post)
“Coming up against our own limits won’t determine what happens to us because we can depend on God to supernaturally recharge us.”
PR’s (PASTOR RICHARD) TAKE
“Have I not commanded you? Be courageous and strong. Do not be struck with terror or fear, for Jehovah your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
God is our refuge and strength, A help that is readily found in distress.” Psalm 46:1
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” Psalm 73:26
PRAYER
“Dear heavenly Father, I can’t manage this life on my own. I need You. Please give me Your supernatural strength today.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“GOD IS THE STRENGTH OF MY HEART” Don Moen
Whom have I in heaven but You
There is nothing on earth I desire beside You
My heart and my strength many times they fail
But there is one truth that always will prevail
God is the strength of my heart
God is the strength of my heart
God is the strength of my heart
And my portion forever, forever
Whom have I in heaven but You
There is nothing on earth I desire beside You
My heart and my strength many times they fail
But there is one truth that always will prevail
God is the strength of my heart
God is the strength of my heart
God is the strength of my heart
And my portion forever, forever
Forever, forever, forever…..
Forever
READING THROUGH THE BIBLE THIS YEAR (DAILY)
PROVERBS 22
