RIDING ON THE WINGS OF THE SPIRIT
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: 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, and not faint."
Supporting Texts: Psalm 103:5, Zechariah 4:6, Romans 8:11, John 14:26
INTRODUCTION:
In life’s journey, there are times when we feel weary, burdened, or stuck in situations that seem too difficult to overcome. In such times, the Bible offers a powerful reminder that those who wait upon the Lord will find renewed strength. The metaphor of mounting up with wings as eagles portrays a supernatural empowerment and elevation that God gives to His people through the Holy Spirit. This sermon invites us to reflect on what it means to "ride on the wings of the Spirit," an experience that enables us to soar above life's challenges, frustrations, and limitations.
Riding on the wings of the Spirit is a picture of divine empowerment that takes us beyond our natural abilities. Just as the eagle soars high above the earth, unhindered by the winds and the storms, so does the Holy Spirit lift us above the struggles of life, providing supernatural strength, vision, and endurance. This supernatural empowerment is available to every believer who is willing to surrender to God’s will and allow His Spirit to lead, guide, and enable us to accomplish more than we could on our own.
To ride on the wings of the Spirit is to experience divine acceleration, spiritual strength, and guidance. It means being able to rise above the trials, pressures, and limitations of this world and walk in the supernatural abilities that God has made available to us through the Holy Spirit. Today, we will explore how the Holy Spirit equips us to soar above the mundane, enabling us to fulfill our divine purpose with strength, power, and speed.
1. THE HOLY SPIRIT IS THE SOURCE OF DIVINE STRENGTH
The Holy Spirit imparts strength to believers, enabling us to overcome life's obstacles.
a) Renewal of Strength
Waiting upon the Lord through prayer and worship renews our inner strength (Isaiah 40:31).
b) Empowerment for Kingdom Work
The Holy Spirit equips us with the strength to carry out God’s work effectively (Acts 1:8).
c) Supernatural Endurance
When we rely on the Holy Spirit, we receive supernatural endurance to face challenges (Romans 8:11).
d) Strength in Weakness
In our weakness, the Spirit provides strength that helps us overcome (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Biblical Example: Samson, empowered by the Spirit, defeated his enemies with divine strength (Judges 14:6).
2. THE HOLY SPIRIT LIFTS US ABOVE LIMITATIONS
The Holy Spirit lifts us above our natural limitations, enabling us to accomplish the impossible.
a) Soaring Above the Storms
Like the eagle that rises above storms, the Holy Spirit helps us to navigate through life's difficulties (Zechariah 4:6).
b) Elevating Our Vision
The Holy Spirit gives us a higher perspective, allowing us to see things from God’s viewpoint (Romans 8:6).
c) Breaking Free from Bondage
The Holy Spirit brings freedom and breaks the chains of addiction, fear, and oppression (2 Corinthians 3:17).
d) Overcoming the Flesh
The Spirit helps us to walk in the Spirit and not fulfill the desires of the flesh (Galatians 5:16).
Biblical Example: Elijah outran Ahab's chariot by the power of the Holy Spirit (1 Kings 18:46).
3. RIDING ON THE WINGS OF THE SPIRIT INVOLVES SURRENDER AND WAITING ON GOD
To ride on the wings of the Spirit, we must surrender our will to God's and wait on Him.
a) The Call to Wait Upon the Lord
Waiting on the Lord means placing our trust fully in Him, allowing the Holy Spirit to empower and guide us (Isaiah 40:31).
b) Surrendering Our Plans
We must yield our desires and plans to God’s perfect will, trusting that His timing is best (Proverbs 3:5-6).
c) The Role of Prayer and Worship
Prayer and worship are channels through which we engage the Spirit and receive His empowerment (Romans 8:26).
d) Obedience to the Spirit’s Leading
We must be willing to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit wherever He directs, even when it seems difficult (John 14:26).
Biblical Example: Jesus withdrew to pray and wait on God, receiving supernatural strength and guidance for His ministry (Luke 5:16).
4. THE HOLY SPIRIT ENABLES US TO RUN WITHOUT WEARYING
When empowered by the Holy Spirit, we can run the race of life without becoming weary.
a) Running the Race with Endurance
The Holy Spirit helps us to run the race set before us with perseverance and energy (Hebrews 12:1-2).
b) Divine Strength for Long-Term Goals
The Spirit provides the stamina and strength to pursue long-term goals and vision (Philippians 4:13).
c) Supernatural Agility
We are enabled to move quickly, with divine agility, in pursuit of God’s purposes (Isaiah 40:31).
d) No Fatigue in His Presence
In God’s presence, there is no exhaustion, for the Spirit continually renews our strength (Psalm 103:5).
Biblical Example: Paul, empowered by the Spirit, completed his mission and finished his race with joy (2 Timothy 4:7).
5. THE HOLY SPIRIT EMPOWERS US TO WALK IN THE SPIRIT AND NOT FAINT
The Holy Spirit strengthens us to continue walking, even when the path is difficult.
a) Walking in the Spirit
The Holy Spirit enables us to walk in obedience to God’s word, producing fruit that glorifies Him (Galatians 5:16).
b) Faithfulness in the Journey
The Spirit strengthens us to stay faithful in the journey, even when circumstances challenge us (1 Corinthians 15:58).
c) Grace to Endure Trials
The Spirit grants us the grace to endure trials and stay focused on our heavenly calling (Romans 8:18).
d) Constant Renewal of Strength
As we walk with the Spirit, we experience continual renewal, keeping us from fainting or losing heart (Isaiah 40:31).
Biblical Example: The Apostle Peter, empowered by the Spirit, boldly walked in his calling, despite facing persecution (Acts 5:29-32).
CONCLUSION:
Riding on the wings of the Spirit is an experience that every believer can have when they surrender their will to God and rely on the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. It is through the Spirit that we gain the strength to overcome, soar above life's storms, and accomplish divine purposes. Just as an eagle flies high and gracefully, we too can navigate the challenges of life with divine strength, endurance, and vision, all made possible through the Holy Spirit.
As we yield to the Holy Spirit, we are not just surviving the trials of life; we are thriving, soaring to new heights, and fulfilling God’s plan for our lives. When we allow the Holy Spirit to empower us, we can run the race set before us without growing weary, walk without fainting, and reach the full potential of our divine calling.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Holy Spirit, empower me to rise above every storm in my life.
2. I receive the strength to run my race without growing weary, in Jesus’ name.
3. Lord, renew my strength and elevate me to new heights in the Spirit.
4. Holy Spirit, give me the agility and endurance to fulfill God’s plan for my life.
5. I declare that I will walk in the Spirit and never faint, in the name of Jesus.
