Bible Reading: Isaiah 40:28-31

Kaylee softly sang a song as she zipped her suitcase. “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles…”

“Time to go,” called Dad.

Reluctantly, Kaylee turned and followed her parents to the car. Usually she loved going to church retreats, but this time Lyra, her best friend, wouldn’t be there. Lyra had died just a few weeks before. A tear trickled down Kaylee’s cheek, and she hastily rubbed it away as she slid into the backseat of the car, closed the door, and fastened her seat belt.

“All set?” asked Dad. Kaylee nodded.

“I liked the song you were singing,” said Mom.

Kaylee bit her lip so she wouldn’t start crying again. “It was one of Lyra’s favorites.”

“I remember hearing her sing it,” said Dad, and as he backed out of the driveway, he began singing the song. Mom and Kaylee joined in.

“What exactly does it mean to mount up with wings as eagles?” asked Kaylee when they finished singing. “We can’t really fly.”

Dad smiled. “The eagle is a unique bird. Other birds try to avoid storms, but eagles fly straight into them. They use the violent winds to lift themselves up high above the storm clouds.”

“Does that help them fly better and be safe?” asked Kaylee.

“Yes,” Dad said. “With God’s strength, you can be like an eagle. You can fly straight into the storms of life instead of running away from them. Even when you face difficult things–like the grief and loneliness you feel because of Lyra’s death–you don’t have to be afraid, because you know Jesus is with you. He has saved you and given you eternal life, and He can use difficult experiences to help you learn to trust Him and grow in your faith. He is strong, and He promises to give you His strength in life’s storms.”

Brushing away tears, Kaylee nodded. “It still hurts, even though I know Lyra’s in heaven, but I want to trust God to give me strength. I want to fly like an eagle.”

Mom squeezed her hand. “Let’s sing that song again.” And they all began to sing.

–Jean A. Burns

How About You?
What problems are you facing today? Are you sad because a friend has died or moved away? Because your mom or dad is out of work? Because what’s happening in your life makes it seem like your world is falling apart? Remember that Jesus loves you and wants to help you face your problems. He gave His life to save you and promises to always be with you. Trust Him to give you the strength to face life’s storms.

Today’s Key Verse:
Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength. (NKJV) (Isaiah 40:31)

Today’s Key Thought:
God gives strength to face problems