Day 4 of the Isaiah 40:31 Blog Tour

Soar like an Eagle!
By Lily Ratliff

One of the most famous scriptures in the bible today is Isaiah 40:31 which says, “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.” (KJV) However, we as a people recite this verse, not truly realizing the extent to what our God is really saying to His people, especially in these last and evil days.

Many of us today are facing a financial crisis that this world as never seen since the Great Depression. People are losing their jobs and their homes, their life savings from 401K’s and stocks and bonds are gone by the close of the day, and sickness and disease has crept up into many a families from the stress of all that’s going on around them. However, if we are children of God and truly living within the body of Christ, we are not a part of the recession. As children of the Almighty King, we shouldn’t have to claim that Egypt mentality. Oh no, we are living in Goshen if we are lined up to the will and power of God! Amen!

God wants us to wait on Him. And not just wait in the literal sense of waiting for Him to respond, which we know he will also do, but also waiting (as the Hebrew Qavah suggests-which means to hope or look for, or have great expectation in receiving His salvation and help in the time of need). We can’t do everything on our own accord and our own will, because it will do nothing but collapse and fail. God calls those people in Isaiah 40:30-youth or vigorous young men because they run like mad men trying to work up something, but fall flat on their faces from weariness and fatigue. Selfishness is something God will not tolerate. But if we are ready to receive all that God has for us, then God will grant us power to withstand-it’s the kind of strength that will move mountains! He will restore us to our rightful positions. Hallelujah! It says in Isaiah 40:28, and I will paraphrase this: Didn’t you know? Haven’t you heard that our Almighty God, who made heaven and earth, never fails, nor gets weary or weak in well-doing? You may not understand Him, in His infinite wisdom, but he’s asking for you to do the impossible! You may complain about the length of your journey, and feel you can’t make it. If you look at God through your circumstances, He will seem small and very far away, as if you can’t get a prayer through, but if by faith you look at your circumstances through God, He will draw very near and reveal His greatness to you. When the devil tries to come against us, with the authority God has given us, we will be able to step on his head, and make him our footstool as we mount up, rise, and fly like eagles, and experience life on a higher plane, a soaring supernatural life which is always available to every believer.

This scripture also takes me to another familiar scripture that’s similar and it’s Hebrews 12:1-4. In it, the Lord tells us to set aside every weight that so easily besets us, or the cares that you might have that you want to hold onto; you know the ones about your children, or your unfaithful spouse, or the boss on your job that’s giving you a hard time. Even though those things are disrupting your thought life, we are still to run this race knowing first, that God is there and will never leave us, but also two-God has been through what we’re going through and more.

2. “Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God. 3. Just think of Him who endured from sinners such grievous opposition and bitter hostility against Himself [reckon up and consider it all in comparison with your trials], so that you may not grow weary or exhausted, losing heart and relaxing and fainting in your minds. 4. You have not yet struggled and fought agonizingly against sin, nor have you yet resisted and withstood to the point of pouring out your [own] blood. (AMP)

See in verse two and three of that chapter, he goes on to explain that he endured the cross, he despised and ignored the shame and endured patiently. He didn’t lose heart; he didn’t give up; he did it all for us! Think about what God had to struggle with each and every day. That should give us hope for a glorious future in His Kingdom! But don’t think for a second that that future couldn’t start today! Oh no! God wants us, while we are in this race, to live victoriously! An abundant life, health, wealth, prosperity, wisdom, peace, and joy are ours, right now! Just speak it, declare your faith towards God, and encourage yourself in this faith walk. Keep pressing Saints of God! We must not be moved. God is in control! Amen.

I do hope you have been inspired by this wonderful devotional. Now, enter for a chance to win an autographed copy of the anthology Have a Little Faith edited by Vanessa Miller, which includes the story “The Breakthrough” by Lily Ratliff.

Trivia Question: In the latest anthology, Have a Little Faith (released May 27th), what is the title of Lily's short story?

Leave your answer to today’s question in the comment section of this post. All correct answers will be placed in a drawing and one lucky person will win an autograph copy of Have a Little Faith from the author!

About the author

Lily L. Ratliff is a writer, educator, entrepreneur and speaker. Lily is the debut author of the Christian autobiography, The Life of a Lily. Lily has taught elementary through high school English and Reading for eleven years. She also owns and operates "Everything That's Lily, LLC," an online book and inspirational jewelry business. Lily is also a dynamic inspirational speaker who has been sought after by churches, writing circles, schools, and community organizations to motivate, encourage, and inspire today's youth & young adults. Lily resides in Lithonia, Georgia, with her daughter, Asia Denise.

Visit Lily Ratliff online:
Website - http://www.thelifeofalily.com/
Store - http://www.everythingthatslily.com/
Blog - http://alilyslife.blogspot.com/
MySpace - www.myspace.com/1NTenseZeta
Twitter - www.twitter.com/LilyLRatliff
LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/LilyLRatliff

Interview with Author, Lily Ratliff

Today we welcome author, Lily L. Ratliff as she shares with us her memoir, The Life of a Lily.

Here is a synopsis of Lily's book:

Are you going through life’s ups and downs alone? Are you a victim of the foster system or adopted and want to know, Why me? Can there ever be life after abuse or abandonment? If you have experienced opposition or neglect, this book is for you. In her autobiography, The Life of a Lily, author Lily L. Ratliff shows you that through all of your mess, God can bring you to a point of acceptance of what life has given you, with the vigor to carry on. A catalyst for hope and restoration in your life, with easy-to-read vignettes and relevant corresponding Scriptures, The Life of a Lily shows how a young girl triumphs by discovering what so many others failed to realize that God had a plan for her life.

How did The Life of a Lily come to be?

This book started as a diary around 2001. I was awakened one late night to start writing down things that God needed me to know. One of those things was to share my story. At first, I thought, “No, I have too many skeletons in the closet to share.” But I was quickly reminded of all those people that are hurting and don’t have the answers to many of life’s problems. I was also reminded that someone needs a word. So I came to know that my story is far more than just words to paper, but a mere testimony of what God can do.

Besides THE LIFE OF A LILY what other writing projects are you working on?

I have four books being released between now and early 2009. On December 16, 2008 the first two, of the four, books will be available. They are a part of a six book children’s series called “The Last Shall Be First.”

Then sometime in December 2008 you’ll find my story called “All Is Not Lost” in Kimberly T. Matthews’ anthology titled “After You’ve Done All You Can.”

Lastly, I have another story called “The Breakthrough” featured in Vanessa Miller’s anthology titled “Stepping Out on Faith” expected in early 2009. “The Breakthrough” is my personal testimony.

You’re also working on a series of Children’s Books. Did your daughter inspire your decision?

Not initially since the stories are for an audience older than her. However, I am writing to leave a legacy for her since she may have to encounter some of the topics addressed within each book.

You lead a very busy life. How do you spend your free time?

Definitely, not the movies! No…all kidding aside I like to hang out. I bowl, shop, visit restaurants, exercise, anything that has me out and about. I love to read, write, sing and liturgical dance.

What is next for Lily L. Ratliff?

In the fall I’m entering South Florida Bible College & Theological Seminaries. I will begin pursuing my PhD in religious education in the hopes of one day being a youth pastor, director over Christian education or professor of a bible college.


Please give us some parting words.

Just remember, in Philippians 3:13-14, it says:

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (italics & emphasis mine).

Your past does not have to predict your future. If God said you are forgiven, then you are forgiven. If God said you shall have life more abundantly, then it shall be so. If God said, you have power to move mountains, then you can say to the mountain of doubt and hopelessness, be thou removed, and it shall be done. Hallelujah! You are more than a conqueror, my brothers and sisters. It’s time to speak a word over your life that you shall live and not die! You have Victory NOW, in the name of Jesus!


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Lily L. Ratliff’s debut titled The Life of a Lily: Growing in His Strength, Blooming in His Love is available for purchase.

To learn more about future events visit http://www.thelifeofalily.com/. Also, join Lily L. Ratliff on Nia Virtual Book Tours this Monday, June 23, 2008 at 9pm EST at http://www.niapresentslily.com/.

Lily L. Ratliff is available for speaking engagements, interviews and booksignings. For scheduling email requests to lily.ratliff@thelifeofalily.com.