.png)
Introduction
As we stand and move in the year filled with dreams and expectations, it's essential to remember where our true strength lies. Today, we turn to the words of the prophet Isaiah, a beacon of hope and a promise of divine renewal: "Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint" (Isaiah 40:30-31).
The Reality of Our Journey
Youth is often associated with vigor, resilience, and endless energy. Yet, Isaiah acknowledges a profound truth: even the youngest and strongest among us can and will experience fatigue. Life's demands, the pressures of academia, relationships, and the quest for identity—these challenges can leave us feeling drained, sometimes to the point of exhaustion.
2 Corinthians 4:8-9 - "We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed."
This verse mirrors the acknowledgment of our struggles yet promises that in God, we find an undying source of hope and resilience.
Waiting on the Lord - The Key to Renewed Strength
To "wait for the Lord" is not passive. It's an active stance of faith, anticipation, and trust in God's timing and provision. It involves deepening our relationship with Him, seeking His will, and listening for His guidance through prayer, scripture, and community.
James 1:2-4 - "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
These trials, and our waiting through them, refine us, building a perseverance that matures our faith and character. Throughout the challenging journeys of life, let us keep soaring on the wings of faith, confident that perseverance will definitely lead us to success. There is power in waiting faithfully on the Lord.
The Promise of Renewal
Isaiah's promise is vivid and powerful: those who place their hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, run without growing weary, walk without fainting. This metaphor speaks of freedom, endurance, and the supernatural ability to rise above life's challenges with grace and strength that only God can provide.
Psalm 103:5 - "who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s."
The Lord is not just a source of strength; He is the restorer of our vitality and the rejuvenator of our spirit.
Living the Promise
As we move and through this year, let's commit to waiting on the Lord, to renewing our strength through Him. Whether we're facing uncertainties, challenges, or even successes, let our first response be to seek God, to trust in His timing, and to draw on the strength that He promises.
Practical Steps: Engage in regular prayer, dive into scripture, involve yourself in a community of faith, and serve others. These practices not only draw you closer to God but also become channels through which His strength flows into your life.
Conclusion
My dear young brothers and sisters, remember always the journey ahead will have its share of both triumphs and trials. Yet, remember Isaiah's words and the promise they hold. As you wait on the Lord, may you find your strength renewed, may you soar on wings like eagles, may you run and not grow weary, may you walk and not faint. This year, let's rise above the challenges, anchored in faith, propelled by divine strength, and inspired by the endless possibilities of growth and achievement in God.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You as the year progresses, young in years but ancient in spirit, because Your eternal strength sustains us. We confess our tendency to rely on our own strength, and we ask for the grace to wait on You, to trust in Your timing, and to find our strength in Your presence. May we soar on wings like eagles, run and not grow weary, walk and not faint, as we live out Your purpose for our lives. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
May the peace of God dwell within you throughout this week. If you've been touched by today's message and wish to explore deeper faith, join us for Sunday services at AFM in Canada. Together, we can grow in love, strengthen our community, and uplift each other in our spiritual journeys. We look forward to welcoming you into our family. Blessings and grace be upon you.
Senior Pastor
Leo T Mukumba