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)
I was out playing golf with some of my golfing buddies the other day and someone commented on how much longer our regular golf course seemed this year. The fact that we were all a year older was mentioned as a possible explanation for why we seemed to be having trouble reaching some of the greens. We all laughed and kept playing, but inside we knew that there was at least some truth to the fact that our physical bodies were not as strong as they once were. It is inevitable that we grow weaker and more frail as we age. Our physical strength eventually fails us no matter how hard we try to exercise and eat right to prevent the process of aging. We can do lots in a physical sense to stay healthy and strong, but the decline of our physical bodies is inevitable.
As believers in Jesus we are promised a new and improved physical body after we die. That is a wonderful promise, but an even greater promise is the one mentioned in today’s verse.
Even now, in spite of our frailty, if we hope in the Lord, he will renew our strength. We will soar on wings like eagles, we will run and not grow weary and we will walk and not faint. God promises us even as we age to give us his strength to accomplish his purposes for us. We can know that if God calls us to do something that seems impossible in our own strength that he will impart his strength to us both physically and spiritually.
Our part in any of God’s operations is to be willing in spite of whatever obstacles seem to block the way. If we are weak—he is strong. If we are blind—he sees. If we are afraid—he casts out fear. If we need supplies—he owns the cattle on a thousand hills. We are not responsible for our own strength—he is the great and sovereign God and by faith in him we can do all things, including those things that might seem impossible in our own strength.
Our best defense against getting old and worthless is to trust in the One who made us. I believe my best days are yet to come as I commit my heart to following my Creator’s plan and purpose for me. He has work for all of us to accomplish right up to the moment he brings us home to be with him. If we are willing, he is able to use us. What a blessing to know that everything we are and have that is dedicated to him can be used for his glory! No retirement for true believers. We will work in his strength until he takes us home.
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Linda Ballard
February 5, 2015
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The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.