The prophet Isaiah uses very beautiful imagery to portray the strength that God gives to those who trust in Him. In the strength of the LORD we begin to soar like eagles. The eagle is a picture of confidence, flying so effortlessly and gracefully. But when the eagle loses its strength to fly, it then flies to a high mountain and wait there for rejuvenation. After the overall restoration process, it has fresh strength and is then ready to fly to even higher heights.
A greater example is found in Matthew 14:23 “After times of preaching and healing, Jesus backed off from the crowds and headed to the mountains to pray and restore himself”.
It’s a true fact that we too can lose strength after life has taken so much out of us. When we lose the strength to go on, we need a “mountain” where we can be nourished and restored; we need a place to which we can withdraw.
Isaiah 40:29-31 shares this great promise: “God energizes those who get tired, gives fresh strength to dropouts. For even young people tire and drop out, young folk in their prime stumble and fall. But those that wait upon GOD get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, they run and don’t get tired, they walk and don’t lag behind.”
Are the pressures of life getting the best of you? Is your energy depleted? I hope this illustration of the eagle and the example of Jesus Christ encourages you to go to the mountain of God when you’re tired and weary–there’s no better place to be. He knows your hard work. He knows you give your all, but sometimes come up short. He knows when you are worn out by life and feel faint in your faith. He understands when you feel like crawling in a hole and giving in to defeat.
My friend, when you feel like you have endured one thing too many, you may just find that Jesus has already climbed that mountain and is waiting with open arms to restore you with fresh strength.