To Finish Our Race

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, NIV)

But those who trust in the Lord will become strong again. They will be like eagles that grow new feathers. They will run and not get weak. They will walk and not get tired. – (Isaiah 40:31, ERV)

But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, they run and don’t get tired, they walk and don’t lag behind. – (Isaiah 40:31, MSG)

God is faithful to refresh us when we come before Him. Our weariness is exchanged for His strength. In Christ, we are able to do abundantly more than we had ever hoped or imagined, and He sustains and strengthens us so that we may continue in the direction to which we are called. To walk, run and soar in His strength is a provision of supernatural perseverance. For all of us who have been a part of an online transition over the last year, sticking with it has been the clear evidence of new feathers grown in us. It was not easy, but certainly worthwhile. And now, as we are on the cusp of the other side, it is far easier to look back and see the evidence of His hand through it all. May we ever trust in the Lord to renew our strength and to press forward walking, running and soaring as He sustains us.

On wings like eagles,

In Christ, I rise;

Our earnest seeking,

Will not be denied.

All strength and all hope,

Are found in the Lord;

Resolve to press on,

As love He affords.

More than we could hope,

He provides His grace;

All to keep going,

To finish our race.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we can come to You in our weariness and be sustained and strengthened to continue in all that You call us to do. Forgive us for folding or for attempting to power through on our own. Teach us to trust and rely on You to renew us and lead us well. Show us how to love those around us in ways that encourage, strengthen and renew them to continue in all they are called to do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for the new feathers we are granted as we seek You to run our race well. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. – 2 Samuel 22:33

When Answers Come

When so long a dream

image by mi9.com

and hope seem deferred,

a glimmer of grace,

I question what’s heard.

Years of prayers lifted,

ever-fading hope.

Clinging to lifeline,

the end of the rope.

Then out of nowhere,

words of hope are heard,

is this the answer?

It seems so absurd.

Great joy rising up,

with guardian wall.

I long to shout out,

yet fear I may fall.

It is in His hands,

where it’s always been.

Help me to trust You.

Keep me far from sin.

For You have great things,

in store, just for me.

With no strings attached,

Your great gifts are free.

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.”

Matthew 7:8 – “For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”

Dear Heavenly Father, I stand in awe of the wonderful ways that You work.  Your ways are so much higher and greater than I could even begin to imagine!  Lord Jesus, I know that the waiting will have been worth all the while; help me to trust You as it all unfolds.  Grant me Your patience, not mine, and allow me to see through Your eyes so that I will not grow weary nor discouraged.  Forgive me for my frustration, fear and hesitation to trust that it could be true.  Thank You that You are so much more than my mind can conceive.  Father, have Your way.  May we be ever-listening and obedient, so that Your love can be clearly conveyed to those who need to know it most.  Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present