The artwork above is inspired by Isaiah 40:31, a verse that may also be one of your favorites:
but those who trust in the Lord
will renew their strength;
they will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not become weary,
they will walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31 CSB
As 2024 winds down with just a month and a half to go, some of us might feel energized and ready to finish the year strong. But others might be wondering, “How can I possibly tackle the overwhelming list of tasks I have to finish today?” Perhaps you feel like you’re running on an empty cup.
Reflection Question #1
Whether we’re eager to finish 2024 strong or struggling to find that desire, we are all running toward something. Where are you running? And where are you drawing your strength to run today?
The book of Isaiah was written during a time when God’s people no longer trusted His promises. Judah’s unbelief led them to run toward destruction instead of blessing. They relied on their own fears and judgments, aligning themselves with the ways of a perishing world rather than trusting in the eternal God.
The artwork above, Fly Like an Eagle, was completed in the summer of 2020, just one day before I had to leave the United States because my visa was about to expire, and my new visa hadn’t arrived in time. Despite the uncertainty, I held onto hope, trusting that God would come through somehow.
But as the days turned into months—then six months, then a year—fear began to creep in. Doubt started to take hold, and I found myself trying to take matters into my own hands. I thought, “In case God doesn’t come through, I’ll survive by doing…” Instead of fully trusting Him, I leaned on my own plans.
Two years later, the visa did come through, and God opened doors I hadn’t even dared to dream of. My only regret is that I didn’t choose to love and trust Him fully while I waited.
but those who trust in the Lord
will renew their strength;
they will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not become weary,
they will walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31 CSB
Reflection Question #2
We all draw strength from what we trust. Trust always comes before strength. So, what are we trusting in today? And how can we adjust our hearts to trust in the Lord just a little more than we did yesterday?
We cannot fully trust someone we do not know. Wherever we are on our journey today, may we seek Him and allow ourselves to be found in Him, all so we can know Him more deeply. May knowing Him become our source of strength for today, enabling His promises to be fulfilled in us.
Reflection Question #3
Despite how I feel today, if I choose to trust in Christ’s finished work on the cross and His resurrection, how might that change the way I view myself, others, or the challenges I face? If He truly is who He says He is, how can I open my heart and life to allow Him to intervene today?
I don’t know where your soul is today. Perhaps the situation you're facing feels so devastating that trusting God seems impossible. I don’t want to be naive to your pain, but at the same time, I know I can’t truly "understand" or fully feel your hurt. Yet, my prayer is that God would place someone in your life who can 'trust God' on your behalf—just as my friends and church members trusted God for me when I couldn’t quite get there myself while waiting for my visa. His love for us remains faithful, even when we fall short of being faithful in so many ways.
but those who trust in the Lord
will renew their strength;
they will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not become weary,
they will walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31 CSB
Thanks for reading!
Keiko Iris Yamada
Music Director at Vine International Fellowship
This blog was based on November artwork in 2024 calendar I made last year. 2025 Calendar is full of whole new set of artwork, and I will be writing blog each month (except one month that I'll be gone for mission trip to Japan). Please consider getting one for yourself and/or for your loved ones so that you can find this on going blog more interesting ;)
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