Living Open-Handed: Devotions for Surrendering Control and Finding Joy in the UnexpectedSample

His Wings Won't Get Weary

"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

The first ten weeks of my third pregnancy were uneventful, and I couldn't believe how lucky we were. Then, I got the call that my baby had a 95 percent chance of being born with Down syndrome. I had no idea what to expect, and researching Down syndrome only brought me startling, outdated facts and stats. It took us some time to regain our footing, but we did so with the right wisdom, community, and peace from the Holy Spirit—until I went into spontaneous preterm labor at thirty weeks. I can still remember the smell of that pizza joint. Nothing could have prepared me for the next couple of months. The birth plan went out the door; I didn’t see my daughter for the first fourteen hours; and I couldn’t kiss her until eight weeks after her birth when I finally brought her home.

I will tell you that I don’t know if I would have gotten through all of that without the Lord. Truly. Not of my own strength, that is for sure. This picture Isaiah 40:31 gives us of having our strength renewed because we hope in the Lord was the epitome of that season. God held us up in His wings, so we didn’t have to struggle to fly. His strength kept me going. If you’re in a season where circumstances feel out of control and you are exhausted, I have good news for you. You are not alone. He renews your strength so that you soar like an eagle instead of hobbling alone. Instead of breaking down from exhaustion, you will run and not grow weary with Him. You will walk and not be faint. Hope in the Lord does not put you to shame. Hope in Him today, tomorrow, and every day you need because His love will never run out on those He calls His!

Dear Lord, thank You for always being with me. You have renewed my strength more times than I can count, and I pray You help me remember that when life feels too much! You are so faithful. Amen.

Reflect: Where do you need the Lord to renew your strength? He can do all things. Ask Him. He's waiting for you.