Hope Series Episode 2

Hope Series Episode 2

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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

Hello my walking friend! I know that you want to spend some time walking with Jesus. How do I know that? You’re listening to this podcast episode! But I don’t know much else. I don’t know if you are young or older, or if you are fit or deconditioned, as a doctor once called me. Not decommissioned, friend, deconditioned. But whatever your age or level of physical fitness, we all get weary sometimes. If you are in a season of weariness, I hope today’s episode will bless you.

Today is the 2nd episode in the hope series and our verse to meditate on is 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.”

The imagery painted by the prophet Isaiah is beautiful. He compares those who hope in the Lord to eagles soaring on wings. Have you ever seen an eagle or maybe a hawk gliding effortlessly through the sky, defying gravity with its majestic wings? It is a breathtaking sight that speaks to the potential of hope in our lives.

Firstly, the verse assures us that those who place their hope in the Lord will renew their strength, regardless of our age! Hope has the remarkable ability to infuse new life into our weary souls. When we place our hope in God, we tap into His infinite well of strength. Our Heavenly Father invites us to lean on Him, drawing from His power and sustaining grace. In our weakness, He becomes our strength, enabling us to rise above our circumstances, the way an eagle rises above the earth.

Secondly, the verse promises that those who hope in the Lord will run and not grow weary, walk and not be faint. Hope renews our stamina and endurance, even when the journey feels long and arduous. Life’s challenges can be draining, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Yet, when our hope is rooted in God, we find the strength to keep moving forward. We discover a resilience that allows us to run the race of faith without growing weary, and to walk through the valleys without fainting.

I know the power that hope in the Lord has in my life, but sometimes I can’t figure out how to get it. Do you ever feel that way? I think it is about perspective. Am I looking at the world to renew my strength? Am I looking at people in my life or my bank account to make my life easier? Or am I putting my focus on Jesus, reminding myself that he is with me every step of the way. Am I meditating on his promises? Jesus said:
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yolk upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

We, you and me, find our hope in him when we put our focus on him, not the world, and on his promises. We can cultivate this hope that Isaiah speaks of by actively and intentionally placing our trust in the Lord. By surrendering our fears, worries, and anxieties to him, and replacing them with the assurance that He is in control. It means immersing ourselves in His Word and dwelling on His promises. It means spending time in prayer, seeking His presence and listening for His gentle voice.

So let’s fix our eyes on Jesus. When we do we will rise above the challenges that come our way. We will run with perseverance, walk with unwavering faith, and soar to heights we never thought possible. Our hope in the Lord will be a testimony to His goodness and a beacon of light to a world desperately seeking hope.

Now let’s take a little time to meditate on today’s verse,
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.”

You are now at the halfway point of your walk. If you need to be back in 10 minutes, this would be the time to turn around and head back.

The second half of our walk is an opportunity for reflection, meditation, and prayer. For many of us, myself included, this might feel challenging. But the spiritual rewards, and transformation, that come from developing this discipline is great and so is the power of the Holy Spirit to help us. So let’s start with some questions that will guide you in the process of reflection.

In what ways does your hope in Jesus provide rest and rejuvenation for your weary soul? Take some time to consider your answer now.

How does relying on God’s strength and grace give you hope even when you feel physically, emotionally, or spiritually tired? Think of your answer now.

What Bible verse or verses encourage you when you are feeling discouraged and hopeless? Take some time think of them.

Now let’s listen to today’s verse one last time:
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.”

Is there anything else you would like to talk to Jesus about? Anything going on in your life? Remember he is right there with you, walking with you, and he is eager for you to share all that is on your heart and mind with him. Take some time to talk to him now.

Now I am going to pray for us:
Dear Jesus,
Forgive me for the times I have relied only on myself or my own resources to get through life. Forgive me for those times when my self-confidence kept me from you. I truly can’t get through this life without you, Jesus. I don’t want to do life, every aspect of life, without you. But it’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that if I control everything in my life, then it will all work out. I know that is a lie and when my hope is in my own abilities, I am setting myself up for disaster. Because, like you told me, even young people lose their strength. Help me trust you with every part of my life, knowing that you, the creator of the universe, love me and care for me. I put my hope in you in every season of life, but especially when I am weak and weary. I love you, Jesus, and I thank you for walking with me always. Amen.

Well, my walking friend, you did it! Another 10 minutes of walking and another opportunity to build the spiritual discipline of prayer and quiet time with Jesus, our burden-bearer. I’m grateful for you and I’m grateful you took the time to walk with me today.

For more Walk with Jesus resources, including the Walk with Jesus 21 day scripture, devotional, and guided prayer journal book for walkers, go to WalkWithJesusDevotional.com. You will find the URL for the show notes for this podcast in the episode description.

I hope we can walk together again tomorrow, friend, as we continue meditating on biblical hope. Until then, God bless you as you walk with Jesus.