Getting Wings

A. INTRODUCTION: ISAIAH 40:31

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, not faint" (Isaiah 40:31).

1. Unexpected problems. We are sometimes hit with discouragement, reverse. What do we need when we face dark days? Wings.

2. Our problem is seldom our problem. Our problem is seldom outward, it is usually within. What is our biggest problem when dark days come? We don’t know what to do.

If you can fix the problem - motivation

If you cannot fix the problem - adjustment

B. THE LAW OF WINGS

1. What two types of people need wings? (a) The person who has given up. It is up to us to help them. (b) The person who is fighting for an answer.

2. How long have people been searching for wings? As long as there have been problems.

(a) As long as the human spirit has wanted to be free from shackles.

(b) Ever since man was made in God’s image.

(c) As long as people have had dreams.

3. Where do people look for their wings?

(a) They look in church.

(b) They look in alcohol or escapism.

(c) They look in their jobs.

(d) They should look to God, "They that wait upon the Lord."

4. Where does God keep your wings?

(a) He keeps them near His side.

(b) He keeps them hidden to get your attention.

(c) He gives them to a friend.

(d) He gives them to your spouse to help your marriage.

5. When will God give you wings?

(a) Sometimes immediately.

(b) Other times God makes you wait. Searching for wings will teach you many lessons.

6. Where is God when you are looking for wings?

(a) Where you last saw Him.

(b) Where He is supposed to be.

(c) Where you are supposed to be.

7. What must I do to get these wings?

(a) Repentance. If we will turn from our sins.

(b) Confession. "If we confess our sins . . ." (I John 1:9).

(c) Pray. "Oh that I had wings" (Ps. 55:6).

8. What are these wings?

(a) Vision. "Where there is no vision, the people perish" (Prov. 28:18).

(b) Courage. "Only be strong and very courageous" (Joshua 1:7).

9. How do you learn to use your wings?

(a) Slowly. "They shall walk." Eagles do not take off to fly like a rocket or bullet.

(b) Repeatedly success upon success. "They shall run."

10. Can you jump over your problems?

(a) No, because jumping is self-effort.

(b) Jumping is solving your problems your way.

(c) People can jump, but not fly.

(d) Jumping is doing what we have always done.

11. What’s the greatest thing about wings?

(a) Gravity looses its hold.

(b) Fly over barriers.

12. How do wings work?

(a) As you reach for heaven to pull it down, then you lift yourself up to fly.

(b) You push the world down, you always reach up.

(c) Wings pull you over your problems and release you from the past.

13. What must you do to make your wings fly?

(a) Continuous. You must repeat the action, i.e., walking . . . running . . . flying.

(b) Never stop.

14. What is the result of flying with wings?

(a) The more you lift up, the higher you fly.

(b) The higher you fly, the more you see.

(c) The higher you fly the less pull of gravity.

15. What must we do to get started?

(a) Mount up,

(b) Launch out, the greatest wings are useless, unless they are used.

16. Why are we afraid to use our wings?

(a) Fear of the unknown, we have never flown before

(b) Fear of heights, we do not want to leave the world.

(c) Fear of God.

17. What should we do when we have fears?

(a) Leap. The first action to fly is to leave the limb; leaping out of the tree is not natural.

(b) Trust your wings.

(c) Yield to the laws of God. God made the air to hold up wings.

(d) Leave the security of past habits.

18. Does God ever push us off the limb? "As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttering over her young . . . so the Lord alone did lead him" (Deut. 32:11,12). The Lord makes our nest so uncomfortable; we have to "mount up" on our wings. (a) To grow. (b) To accomplish (c) Unused wings die.

If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart: