Recently, I did a study on fainting in the scripture and learned that on 75 different occasions, fainting is mentioned. I have seen people faint at bad news and good news. I have even seen people faint when they are frightened. Solomon, who was evidently a student of human nature, made a contribution to the idea of fainting: If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small. Proverbs 24:10
Paul, in his letter to the Galatian Church, said. “And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season, we shall reap if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint”, Galatians 6:9.
Jacob was boiling pottage (lentil stew) one day, when Esau came from the field and was faint [with hunger]. And Esau said to Jacob, “I beg of you let me have some of that red lentil stew to eat, for I am faint and famished!” Genesis 25:29
It dawned on me when reading this, that he gave up his birthright when he was faint. However, “When Gideon came to the Jordan and passed over, he and the 300 men with him, faint yet pursuing”. What can be learned from this? The prize and victories come to those who will not let fear immobilize them.
Isaiah 40:29-31 has the answer to this for all men and women of faith. “He gives power to the faint and weary, and to him who has no might He increases strength [causing it to multiply and making it to abound]. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and [selected] young men shall feebly stumble and fall exhausted; but those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired.”
Keep looking up, God is looking down!
We believe in you!
Cleddie and GayNell Keith