But those who trust in the Lord will become strong again. They will be like eagles that grow new feathers. They will run and not get weak. They will walk and not get tired. (Isaiah 40:31 ERV)
But those who wait on 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 40:31 NKJV)
This weekend, our church will host a women’s conference for around 300 women from the community. It’s a major event for our church. The conference will feature a keynote speaker, sixteen workshop leaders, a full praise and worship band, a special vocal ensemble, a dance group, three meals, dedicated prayer spaces, and a wealth of Spirit-led ministry.
It’s an “all hands on deck” event for our congregation, with most of the men volunteering to assist with parking, serving meals, setup and teardown, maintaining restrooms and trash, and any other tasks that arise. Our church embraces the belief in Proverbs 11:25 (NIV): “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Although organizing the conference requires immense planning, time, energy, and hard work, those who serve often experience spiritual renewal from God while helping others find renewal as well.
The need for renewal and refreshment in the middle of a cold, dark winter reminded me of one of my longtime favorite scriptures, Isaiah 40:28-31 (NIV):
Do you not know? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
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.
Do you hear God calling to you when you are weary? Have you heard his sweet voice when you are tired of it all?
God is the Everlasting God, Creator of the ends of the earth. He doesn’t grow tired or need to rest, but he gives strength to those who feel weak. If we’re tired, faint, and needing renewal and refreshment, when we trust and hope in the Lord, he will renew our strength and internal power. Even when we can’t fully understand what he’s doing, even when we grow tired, or stumble and fall, El Roi, “the God who sees us,” is watching out for us. In the midst of the bitter cold of winter, the reality of hosting a large conference, final deadlines fast approaching, and all the details that have to be finished, God wants to renew and refresh his children. In the midst of whatever you face in your life at this moment, El Roi sees you, comes to you with power, tends to your needs, gathers you into his arms, and carries you close to his heart. Hear that again: he carries you and me close to his heart. His love, mercy, and grace renew us and send us forth refreshed for continued ministry in this world. Thanks be to God!
Renewing God,
Thank you, Lord, that your calling to be your children—your “sheep,” as the Bible calls us—is irrevocable, and that your strength is continually renewed within us. Today, we lift up all those working to complete the planning for this women’s conference. We ask for supernatural strength, smooth progress in finishing tasks, and preparation that aligns perfectly with your will.
We also pray that you would begin to minister to the women who will attend the conference. Meet them where they are, draw them close with your Spirit, and lead them into new, victorious places. Pour out renewal and refreshment in their lives, and strengthen them for the days ahead.
We pray for deep renewal for all those serving at the conference. As they minister to others and bring refreshment to them, may they also experience refreshing from you.
May all who hope, trust, and stand in faith in you, their Lord, be renewed and strengthened. We ask all this in Jesus’s name. Amen.
See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power,
and he rules with a mighty arm.
See, his reward is with him,
and his recompense accompanies him.
He tends his flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart;
he gently leads those that have young. (Isaiah 40:10-11 NIV)