Message Notes

(I) THE RAPTOR FAMILY

1. The hawk

“Does the hawk fly by your wisdom, and spread its wings toward the south”? Job 39:26

2. The eagle

“Does the eagle mount up at your command, and make its nest on high?” Job 39:27

3. The vulture

“On the rock it dwells and resides, on the crag of the rock and the stronghold.From there it spies out the prey; its eyes observe from afar.It’s young one suck up blood; and where the slain are, there it is.” Job 39:28-30

(II) BATTLING NEGATIVE THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS THAT SAP STRENGTH

“Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel:‘My way is hidden from the LORD,And my just claim is passed over by my God.’ ” Isaiah 40:27

1. Feelings of discouragement

2. Feelings of despondency

3. Feelings of despair

4. Feelings of being defeated in life

5. Feelings of being deserted by God

(III) RENEWING STRENGTH

1. Returning to foundational knowledge of God

a) As the Everlasting God

b) As The LORD

c) As the Creator of the ends of the earth

2. Regaining vital understanding

a) His understanding is unsearchable

b) He gives power to the weak

c) He increases strength to those who feel they have no more might

3. Understanding the Process of Renewal

a) It calls for the practice of “waiting upon the Lord”

b) It calls for faith to believe that God can renew our strength

i) Natural human strength is limited

ii) Divine strength will be given

(IV) POWERFUL PICTURES OF STRENGTH

Isaiah 40:31

1. Indefatigable and strong young men

a) They shall run and not be weary

b) They shall walk and not faint

2. Eagles

a) They soar majestically high in the sky

b) They are sustained by Divine power from God