Encouragement

I have 7 blogs that I regularly check into in my Bookmarks column. Among those 7 blogs, 4 made it clear in one way or another last week that life wasn't going super easy. The word "sad" was used a number of times. It is the middle of winter, therefore, the frequency of that happening is going to be higher, but it certainly had me thinking.

In addition, our regular format of Bible Study was scrapped today as we decided to focus on prayer requests - one in particular. The story itself sounds like some sort of creepy Lifetime movie, or something Oprah would choose to send reporters into investigate - small town community, man posing to be a something he's not, evil reeking havoc - and the ties to a member in our group being very PERSONAL. Scary stuff. Add that to the other, very concerning prayer requests among the group, and yes, sirree - I have no doubt that there is a lot of need for prayer out there, and a lot of need for encouragment.

I memorized this passage when I was in college - I was always weary in college - always tired, never enough sleep and always too much to do (I often bit off more than I could chew). This passage inspired me tremendously. Also during college, I remember hearing a message about eagles - what majestic creatures they are and why God chose to use them as the examples. Did you know that female eagles pick their "mate" (they mate for life), by dropping sticks for them to retrieve from higher and higher elevations? They are testing their future husbands, seeing if they are worthy - because, when eaglets are learning how to fly, they'll often be coaxed unwillingly from their nest to see if they can fly. Most of the time, it works, but in the event they aren't ready, the male eagle will be called to swoop down to rescue them, just as they practiced with the sticks. Pretty amazing, huh? Sometimes, the testing we go through can seem so hard, sometimes, we're not ready to fly, but I truly believe, God is ready to catch us - and fully able. I hope this week is full of encouragement for you all......

Isaiah 40:26-31
26 Look up into the heavens.
Who created all the stars?
He brings them out like an army, one after another,
calling each by its name.
Because of his great power and incomparable strength,
not a single one is missing.
27 O Jacob, how can you say the Lord does not see your troubles?
O Israel, how can you say God ignores your rights?
28 Have you never heard?
Have you never understood?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of all the earth.
He never grows weak or weary.
No one can measure the depths of his understanding.
29 He gives power to the weak
and strength to the powerless.
30 Even youths will become weak and tired,
and young men will fall in exhaustion.
31 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.