“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
—Isaiah 40:31 (KJV)
Isaiah 40:31 shows us that renewed strength does not always look the same. Sometimes God lifts us above the difficulty. Sometimes He gives us endurance to move forward with purpose. At other times, He provides just enough strength to take the next step.
In this second part, we will explore the three pictures Isaiah gives us—soaring, running, and walking—and consider what each one teaches us about depending on God through the changing seasons of life.
Soaring, Running, and Walking
Isaiah gives us three pictures of renewed strength: soaring, running, and walking.
There are seasons when God allows us to soar. He lifts us above something that once overwhelmed us, gives us a fresh perspective, or answers a prayer in a way we cannot deny. These moments are wonderful reminders of His power.
There are also seasons of running. Life moves quickly, opportunities open, and we sense the strength to pursue the work God has placed before us.
But much of the Christian life is lived at a walking pace.
Walking may sound less impressive than soaring or running, but walking with God requires enduring faithfulness. It means following Him through ordinary days, unanswered questions, repetitive responsibilities, and slow progress.
Sometimes the greatest evidence of God’s strength is not that we rise above the struggle but that we continue walking through it without giving up.
The God who enables us to soar is also the God who helps us put one foot in front of the other.
Learning to Wait Faithfully
How can we wait on the Lord when we are tired?
First, we can remember His past faithfulness. Looking back helps us recognize that the God who sustained us before has not changed.
Second, we can speak honestly with Him. Faith does not require us to hide our frustration, disappointment, or fear. God already knows what is in our hearts, and prayer gives us a place to bring it before Him.
Third, we can remain rooted in Scripture. Our circumstances may tell us that nothing is happening, but God’s Word reminds us that He is present, powerful, and trustworthy.
We can also allow others to walk with us. God often provides strength through the prayers, encouragement, and presence of fellow believers. Waiting can become especially heavy when we attempt to carry it alone.
Finally, we can continue doing the next right thing. We may not know how the entire situation will unfold, but we can remain obedient with what God has placed before us today.
Strength for Today
Perhaps you are waiting for something right now.
You may be waiting for a door to open, a relationship to heal, a burden to lift, or an answer to become clear. You may simply be tired of carrying something that has lasted much longer than you expected.
Isaiah 40:31 does not dismiss that weariness. Instead, it directs us toward the One whose strength never runs out.
Waiting is not evidence that God has forgotten you. The season that feels empty may be the very place where He is teaching you to exchange self-reliance for dependence, anxiety for trust, and exhaustion for strength drawn from Him.
You may soar. You may run. Today, you may only be able to walk.
Whatever the pace, God will be faithful to meet you there.
Prayer
Father, You know where I am weary and where waiting has become difficult. Forgive me for the times I depend on my own strength or assume that Your silence means You are absent. Help me trust Your character, Your wisdom, and Your timing. Renew my strength and give me the grace to soar, run, or simply keep walking with You today. Amen.
Lead by Faith 
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