They shall not swoon, nor halt, nor turn back

(John Angell James)

How full of encouragement is the language of the
prophet Isaiah, "But those who hope in 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 be faint." Isaiah 40:31

This beautiful passage contains a promise of continued
supplies of grace and strength to all who really desire to
serve the Lord with integrity and simplicity. In the image
of the eagle, the prophet alludes to the strength of wing
and of vision possessed by this noble bird--whereby it
ascends to a lofty height, untired and undazzled--soaring
even above the fogs and mists of the lower regions of the
air, mounting above the very clouds, undeterred by the
lightning, and floating in the pure azure above!

Thus shall all who hope in the Lord rise higher and higher,
upon the mighty wings of strong devotion, and with the
unblinking eye of faith--into the regions of heavenly
mindedness; and shall approach nearer and nearer to
God--the sun of our spiritual day.

"They will run" in the heavenly race, for the crown of
immortal glory, "and not grow weary." Their strength,
instead of being exhausted, shall, contrary to what
occurs in bodily effort--be increased by exertion. No
length nor greatness of labor shall be too much for
them. God shall pour into their souls, fresh energy
for every fresh effort.

"They will walk and not be faint." Their pilgrimage
may be arduous; the road may be long and rugged;
often up steep ascents, and down into deep and rocky
crags, where every step is a labor--but they shall not
lose heart or hope; they shall not swoon, nor halt,
nor turn back--but go forwards, sustained by a
power greater than their own!