Do you not know? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the whole earth.
He never becomes faint or weary; there is no limit to his understanding.
He gives strength to the faint and strengthens the powerless.
Youths may become faint and weary, and young men stumble and fall,
but those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not become weary, they will walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:28-31 CSB
The Strength We All Need
I woke up to five different pairs of African eyes staring down at me. I had arrived in Rwanda only two days earlier. The morning after I landed in the most beautiful country I’d ever seen, we drove to a refugee camp. We drove for hours, twisting and turning, bumping along pot-holed roads. Each time we hit a bump, our heads hit the ceiling of the jeep we were in.
As we climbed higher up the mountain, the jet lag began to set inside of me. What time was it back in Canada? Three or four in the morning? The air was hot, too. I had never traveled anywhere internationally before. Between the jet lag, hot temperatures, and the thin air as we climbed higher altitude, I began not feeling well.
“Don’t be ridiculous,” I told myself. “It’s your second day in Africa — you can’t be sick.” I pushed the dizziness further down within me and took another sip of water.
We arrived at the refugee camp. It was there where I met Nathalie — a woman who had the eyes of Jesus. Looking into her deep eyes, I could see the reflection of love staring back at me. She was a seamstress. She took me down to her small shop, showing me the beautiful pieces she was in the process of making. There were other people there, too — pastors, and community leaders. We would soon go on a tour of the camp.
Suddenly, black spots danced in front of my vision. I could hardly see Nathalie anymore. The air was thin — I couldn’t catch a full breath.
Then I was on the ground.
When I awoke, everyone was peering down at me.
“I’m okay,” I said. “I only fainted. I was just a little hot.”
I had accidentally created quite a commotion. Some of the refugee camp leaders wanted to take me to their hospital for a medical exam. I assured them I was okay and settled for a cold bottle of sweet Coca-Cola.
It wasn’t the first time I had fainted in my life. It happens sometimes — when I’m hot or hungry or the air is too thin. I’m always okay after, albeit a little tired.
Even though I fainted physically in Rwanda, I think about how sometimes I feel faint in my walk with God.
There are times in my life that feel so trying — physically and emotionally — and I can’t help but cry out to God, wondering where He is or why He isn’t helping me.
But the truth is: He’s always there.
I love this part of Isaiah 40, “…but those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength… they will run and not become weary, they will walk and not faint.”
I can’t rely on my own strength in this life. Our human bodies fail, our minds and hearts grow tired. But when we trust in Jesus, He will renew us. That doesn’t mean our circumstances will change. But it does mean we’ll have the strength of God, and He will carry us through them.
One of the things I love most about God is that His promises are always true. If He promises to renew our strength when we grow faint or tired or weak, then that’s a promise we can be sure He’ll keep.
Where do you need God to give you strength today?
Leave a Comment
Michele Morin says
Just returning from an early morning walk in the snow, and pondering your words with my coffee. (Very hot and welcome!)
Isaiah’s words are always comforting to me and bracing. It’s amazing that words spoken so long ago can resonate today, and I’m grateful for these promises to carry forward into a busy day.
Mary Hood says
Aliza,
Thank you. I need this so very much today!
JSM says
That verse Isaiah 40:31 is on our Mum’s stone and she is very strong and very alive though not with us but thanks to Jesus we shall see her again…
Deborah says
Aliza,
I love that Isaiah verse. Thank you for sharing your devotion. It is so hard to focus on God’s love for us during difficult times. In fact, I leave post-it notes around my house to remember to focus on God, not the situation.
I still struggle with my divorce and the betrayal that went with it. Watching my ex and this woman lead a jet set life while I struggle always brings me down. But, as I go down that dark hole, I aim to look up and say I know you love me and have some wonderful plans for me Jeremiah 29:11.
Your journey to Africa sounds wonderful . God Bless and thank you again for sharing.
Deborah
Michelle says
Deborah – I am praying for you. I truly know how you feel and what you’re going through and I know the hurt and all the yuck that comes with it. But I promise God loves you more than any human could ever love you and He has something amazing for you. I also learned that things aren’t always what they seem – you are in my prayers sweet friend.
Kathleen says
Deborah,
I understand how you are feeling as I went through the same thing. You will move past the hurt and rejection. HE does have good plans for you. Keep focused on Him. I am on the other side of all the mess and life does get better. I promise. Kathleen
Overwhelmed says
I really needed this today, I am going through such a trying time right now, and it does feel like God is not here right now, but I have to keep reminding myself that God loves me so much. He keeps asking me if I trust Him, and I keep telling Him yes I do. This is a really scary situation and I am very weary. I know that He has everything under control and wants the best for His children. So everything is going to go how God planned it to go.
Beth Williams says
Overwhelmed,
I’m praying for you and your situation. God is in control!!! Even in the midst of trials God is there walking you through to the other side. May He send you a sense of peace & comfort today.
((((Hugs)))))
Penny says
Overwhelmed,
I pray that you feel at ease while dealing with what has overcome you.
Blessings,
Penny
Peter Namupira says
I was born in Southern Africa, educated in Southern Africa and still live here. My strength has been renewed where others complain. Putting on a brave face here doesn’t mean all is well. I ask myself: Is there a place on earth where people are happy and secure? YES! In my heart and decisions, this is possible. Surely those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength
karenvrooyen says
Peter, I love your words. I am an ex-pat South African, now living in the USA (the Land of Milk and Honey). We were in UK for 6 years prior. Happy with all the great and wonderful things do not really mean HAPPY! It is the heart and faith and daily walk with Jesus that provides real joy and peace despite circumstances. This verse from Isaiah is my very favorite. Blessings to you!
Penny says
Peter,
Thank-you so much for sharing your thoughts with us.
Blessings,
Penny
Rebecca kuhlman says
I’m scheduled for 5 iv infusions this week and in the midst of a hard flu season, I need the Lord to strengthen my body, my mind and my heart. I’m praying for strength and protection from illness and strength of heart and mind for the fear that I’m facing. Thank you!
Sylvia says
Rebecca,
I know exactly what you are going through as im experiencing tough health issues and the fear can be paralizing. Got to remind myself constantly that God is present and stronger than the fear. Praying for you friend.
Penny says
Rebecca,
I hope all the best for you, and pray that all will be well.
Blessings,
Penny
Beth Williams says
Aliza,
I love the Isaiah verse. One day we will rise up like wings of eagles & soar above this earth. God gives us the strength we need to handle all trials. I’ve been through some pretty tough ones & God was there with me. Now my family faces another trial. My FIL was diagnosed with stage III bladder cancer-he already has prostate cancer. Seeing oncologist Wednesday. His wife isn’t feeling well either. She is battling a cold & dizziness. It is up to me & my hubby to care for them & their needs. I know all this is in the Lord’s hands.
Blessings 🙂
Penny says
Beth I’m sorry to hear that you are faced with this and pray that you all will feel the comfort of our Lord….
Blessings,
Penny
karenvrooyen says
Aliza, this is my very favorite verse from the Bible. God’s timing is perfect as today’s reading is just another confirmation on what I have been learning through sermons, Bible Study and Small Group. Thank you for sharing and continued blessings to you.
Debra says
Aliza – thank you for your Sunday sharing – one of my favourite scriptures – Isaiah 40:28-31 – so so comforting on this blustery rainy day as I ready myself for the drive to the 0900 Sunday service at our church – praying for all those who need to feel the warm embrace of our Heavenly Father – blessings to all from my tender heart to yours xo
Sheryl says
One of my favorite verses. I love the part about our circumstances not changing, but through our trust and hope in God we receive his strength and he carries us through whatever we are dealing with. Thank you for sharing.
Summer Rae says
Aliza,
Your wise words always seem to bless my inbox at just the right time… Thank you. I am so grateful for this community and for you taking the time to encourage your sisters. I pray you have a blessed day.
This side of Heaven,
Summer Rae
Kim B Smith says
What a comfort post. Really needed this on a snowy winter day.
Rwanda is beautiful, I have been there and I relate to the bumpy roads.
Penny says
Aliza,
Thank-you for tying in this inspiring verse to share your experience with us. You’ve stepped out to do what some of us (me) have only thought of. Good for you!
Blessings to all,
Penny
Rebecca Jones says
I have never fainted but being overwhelmed by the Holy Spirit is an experience, he can truly just blow right over you. A mighty rushing wind. How wonderful to meet someone with Jesus in their eyes.
Mary Geisen says
What a beautiful reminder to rely on God’s strength and not our own. My imperfect self becomes whole when I believe in God’s promises that he will carry me when I am faint or weary. Isaiah speaks this truth perfectly. Sunday blessings!
Peter Namupira says
By His Stripes We Are Healed. He Will Never Leave Us Nor Forsake Us. When I am in different kinds of pain and anxiety, these are my verses of meditation. They make me feel His presence and realise that His Will is done.Focus on the author CV and Fisher of our faith Jesus Christ.