HomeWord - October 18, 2011

Soaring
This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden

But those who wait on the LORD will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. —Isaiah 40:31

When I was a kid, I shared with my grandmother that I wanted to be a ballerina. She made sure I knew what a horrible idea that was, so I didn't even try. I never have forgotten the deflated feeling I experienced at that moment. Looking back, ballet was simply a dream, and maybe a silly one. But it was my dream, and it was taken away by a simple comment.

Think about a time when you heard the words, "You can't..." I am not talking about when you were a kid and your mom wouldn't let you stay out late on a school night. I'm talking about dreams. Think of a time when you shared a dream or a goal with someone and the response was "impossible." No one likes to hear "You can't," "You mustn't," "You won't." No one likes to hear "impossible." Unfortunately, it gets said far too often, and many become discouraged and give up on the pursuit their dreams.

Thank God that there are people who persist in pursuing their dreams even in the midst of naysayers. Think of how our world would be different if the great visionaries of our time in the areas of science, medicine, transportation, technology and Christianity had been dissuaded from pursuing their passion.

Our Lord invites us to "soar on wings like eagles, to walk and not be weary, to run and not be faint." Jesus looks us squarely in the eye and tells us, "YOU can do all things through Me." (See Philippians 4:13.)

Today, be reminded that the Lord has something special for your life. Seek out your dream. Listen to the Lord saying, "You can, I am with you." Push through the hard times, and cling to the promises of God. He will help you soar like an eagle. He will help you get exactly where you need to go, no matter what anyone else says.

GOING DEEPER:

1. What dream has the Lord put on your heart? How can you move forward and reach it?

2. How can you better encourage others to become and to do all that God desires for them?

FURTHER READING:

1 Corinthians 1:25; Philippians 4:13; 1 Peter 4:11

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