Soar: Isaiah 40:30-31
"Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 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 40:30-31 (NIV)
As athletes, you know the grind. There are days when everything clicks, and you’re firing on all cylinders. But there are also days when fatigue sets in, when you’re drained, and every step feels heavy. In Isaiah 40:30-31, God speaks directly to anyone who has ever felt worn out, whether from the weight of training, the intensity of competition, or the struggles off the field. Even “youths grow tired and weary,” He says. But here’s the promise: when we put our hope in the Lord, we gain strength that rises above it all.
1. Acknowledge the Weariness
Being tired doesn’t make you weak. Sometimes, the hardest part of the game isn’t physical—it’s mental and emotional. When the training gets intense or when life outside the sport throws challenges your way, it’s normal to feel worn down. Isaiah is real about this: even the strongest, the most driven among us, will stumble and fall at times. Hardship is part of the journey, and admitting that you’re tired or struggling doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re human.
2. Hope in the Source of Strength
God invites us to lean into Him for renewed strength. Unlike the temporary relief we might feel from a rest day or a pep talk, the strength God gives doesn’t fade. It sustains. It’s the kind of strength that goes beyond physical endurance; it’s spiritual resilience. When you’re up against hardships that feel overwhelming, remember that true strength comes not just from the hours you put in but from your hope in the Lord. By trusting in Him, you gain an unshakable foundation that keeps you steady, even when things get tough.
3. Soar on Wings Like Eagles
Think about the eagle for a moment. Eagles don’t flap furiously to stay airborne; they soar. They rise above the storms, gliding on the wind. When you put your hope in God, you’re not left to “flap” through life on your own strength. God gives you the ability to soar above the hardships, to gain a new perspective. Soaring doesn’t mean avoiding difficulties; it means seeing them differently. You’re not weighed down by what’s happening around you—you’re empowered to rise above it.
4. Endurance for the Long Run
Life isn’t a sprint, and neither is your walk with God. There will be times when you need to run, but there are also times when the journey requires you to walk. The promise in Isaiah 40:31 is that no matter the pace, God’s strength is enough to carry you through. You’ll be able to run and not grow weary, walk and not faint. This kind of endurance isn’t about sheer willpower; it’s about surrendering to God’s strength and letting Him carry you.
Prayer to Soar
Lord, thank you for being my source of strength. Help me remember that I don’t have to push through hardships alone. Teach me to trust you with the things that feel too heavy to carry. Give me the power to rise above challenges and the endurance to keep going, one step at a time. I place my hope in you, knowing that you will renew my strength. Amen.
With your hope firmly in God, remember that you have access to a power that helps you soar above every hardship. Trust Him, and let Him lift you higher than any challenge you face.
Coach Kruse
