By David Ettinger
This is one of those Bible passages rich in physical imagery, but predominantly spiritual in meaning.
It was used to great effect in one of my favorite movies, Chariots of Fire, and as I get older, I cherish it more and more.
So without further ado, I present to you Isaiah 40:28:31:
Do you not know? Have you not heard?
The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth
Does not become weary or tired.
His understanding is unsearchable.
He gives strength to the weary,
And to the one who lacks might He increases power.
Though youths grow weary and tired,
And vigorous young men stumble badly,
Yet those who wait for the Lord
Will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary.
This passage obviously is speaking in spiritual terms, and how uplifting it is! Between growing physical ailments, emotional upheavals, and the ever-decreasing state of the world, it is easy to drift into depression and melancholy.
But this soaring passage tells me that our Creator God never succumbs to that which man succumbs. God succumbs to nothing!
This soaring passage tells me that though humans struggle, fail, fall, and grow faint, God never does. And not only does He never struggle, fail, fall, and grow faint, but He has the power to lift our spirits when we struggle, fail, fall, and grow faint.
This soaring passage tells me that though one day I may feel down in the dumps, the next day I can feel exultant as the Lord enables me.
This soaring passage tells me that if I am patient in my difficulties, waiting for the Lord to deliver me, He will do so, and in such a way that I will feel as if I am flying high in the sky.
This soaring passage tells me that though I become physically weaker as I age, spiritually I am always getting stronger (see 2 Corinthians 4:16). Though I may grow wearier as I physically walk longer distances, my walk with the Lord will always flourish so long as I abide in Him.
I love Isaiah 40:28-31. A soaring passage indeed!
Bruce Cooper
October 21, 2021
God’s understanding is unsearchable, I am so thankful for that because I may not understand or know what to do but God does and all I have to do is keep my hand in His. Thank you for sharing God’s lifting word David, loved it!
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dettinger47
October 21, 2021
Thank for the excellent observations, Bruce.
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vicklea
October 21, 2021
One of my favorites to cling to when I’m feeling discouraged
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dettinger47
October 21, 2021
A great one to cling to! Thank you, Vickie.
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Lisa Beth
October 21, 2021
This passage and your post are just refreshing. The perfect end is that film clip, makes me really want to see yhe movie again soon.
Thank you David, uplifting and encouraging post!
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dettinger47
October 21, 2021
Thank you, Lisa Beth. A great movie indeed!
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Laura M Bailey
October 22, 2021
Awww….there it is, my old friend. This scripture Isaiah 40:31 has followed me my whole life. A name card (laura) with a scripture…Isaiah 40:31
A greeting card recieved with scripture…Isaiah 40:31, a book mark left in an old book at a second hand store…Isaiah 40:31, a card tucked in a pocket of a thrift store purse…same.
The very 1st scripture I memorized as a child, Isaiah 40:31.
It’s a reoccurring scripture in my life and it brings me joy every time I run across it…or it runs across me. 😊
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dettinger47
October 23, 2021
A great verse indeed!
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bigskybuckeye
November 2, 2021
David, there is blessed strength found in these verses from Isaiah 40. As I march toward my 66th birthday (who’s really counting?), I find my spiritual strength growing as almost a counter-balance to my declining physical attributes. On another note, there is further inspiration to gather from the story of Eric Liddell’s beyond what the film shows.
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dettinger47
November 2, 2021
I’m 3 years younger than you, and you spoke for me, as well. Any yes, Eric Liddell’s story is indeed inspiring beyond the movie!
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