The strength of human power and will is not enough to keep us on our feet. It’s not enough to keep us going when we need to carry on. But renewal comes from the Lord, who not only gives us strength but also lifts our spirits, toning the muscles of our souls. God makes us soar like eagles, providing us with the strength and determination to continue running and walking through life as we serve him, depending on his strength, wisdom, and power.

It is interesting that Isaiah describes our actions here on a decreasing scale—soar, run, walk—rather than on an increasing scale. It may seem to us that he should say we are strengthened to walk, run, and soar. What is the writer’s purpose here?

When we look back on the times of our lives, we can see that we soar like eagles once in a while. And sometimes we are able to run like athletes. But most of the time we walk along, day in and day out. What drains our strength and wears us out the most is not the few times we soar or run, but the daily routines in which we walk. The eagle, with its powerful wings, rises to lofty heights. The fast runner reaches the finish line in record time. The walker treads along with perseverance.

But the one who renews our strength is the Lord. God is the one who strengthens our soul and empowers us to keep on in our mission in this world.