Soar with eagles wings

Readings for Wednesday December 9, 2009

First Reading: Isaiah 40:25-31
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 103
Gospel: Matthew 11:28-30


Do you not know or have you not heard? The LORD is the eternal God, creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint nor grow weary, and his knowledge is beyond scrutiny. He gives strength to the fainting; for the weak he makes vigor abound. Though young men faint and grow weary, and youths stagger and fall, They that hope in the LORD will renew their strength, they will soar as with eagles’ wings; They will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint. (Isaiah 40:28-31)

This passage from Isaiah is a wonderful reading about where our strength really comes from. I have often used and reflected on this passage while running. It has really helped to motivate me and to keep me focused during my workouts and during some races. This passage also puts many things in perspective, because we must realize that the source of our strength and abilities is not us or anything that we have done, but rather it is all from God. When running, I realize that nothing is impossible with God, and no matter how much I am hurting or think that I can't go on, I know that if I trust and rely on Him I can get through anything. To this day there isn't a race that I haven't finished, and all glory and honor be to God for that!

What I have learned from using this passage during running, is that the same principles apply to the rest of our lives as well. There are times when we just want to give up, when things seem so hard and almost unbearable, and we do not think that we are going to get through challenges and hardships; it is in these moments that we must realize that if we are willing to surrender, trust and rely on Christ, then there isn't anything that He cannot get us through. The prophet Isaiah tells us today that "God does not grow faint or weary" and those who put their hope in Him will not either.

"They that hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar as with eagles wings; They will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint." (Is 40:31)

Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for all that you have given each of us. Lord we know that your strength and knowledge is unlimited, and we pray that we will be always mindful of you and that we will rely on you at all times. Lord, help us to let go of our pride and the things of this world, and to embrace you and your will for us. We pray for all those who do not have hope, may they find it in you. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.