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 40:31, NIV

I sat in my car while waiting at a red light and watched as a bird hopped across the street in front of me. It stopped at the median as traffic from the oncoming lane was moving. It studied the cars going by and appeared to watch for the “Don’t Walk” sign to change. Sure enough, as soon as the light changed, it hopped across the road to the sidewalk. I wondered, Did that bird forget that it could fly?

I also wondered if that bird had watched people walk across that intersection day after day and then decided it had to walk across that intersection too. It could have soared over the traffic and on to its destination, but it waited and walked. Why?

Today’s scripture is one of my favorites. I have pictures and sculptures of eagles around my home and office to remind me to soar and not walk. As I hope in the Lord, I do not want to waste the strength and energy He gives me. I do not want to be sidetracked or influenced by a culture or environment that “walks.” Worse yet, I never want to forget that I can fly.

Have you forgotten? Have your feet been dragging on the ground? Are you like that bird waiting for the “Walk” sign? What types of things “ground” you?

How can you hope in the Lord and soar today in your classroom, hallway, meetings, cafeteria, office, or home?

Lord, we rejoice when we think about how You rose from the grave centuries ago and that You still live in our hearts today. Please show us how to fly over something dragging us down today, Lord. Amen.

Copyright Kathy Branzell.

Kathy has a heart for encouraging Christian educators and currently serves as the President of the National Day of Prayer Task Force. Prior to this role, she was the founder and president of Fellowship and Christian Encouragement (FACE) for Educators.