Mount Up with Wings as Eagles

©2023 Susan Noyes Anderson

O Jerusalem, Art by Greg Olsen

At times, we scale a mountain, and
another one appears.
More than a few of us climb countless
ranges, through the years.

Brought down by fear, spurred on by faith
to fall or find our way,
we bow down in despair or rise
to face another day.

What marks the difference in a soul
that chooses not to yield?
Which heart refuses to concede,
though new peaks are revealed?

For all of us are smitten when,
despite labors and pains,
we clear one obstacle to find
another still remains.

Where do the valiant draw their strength?
What secret do they hold?
What is the lesson they embrace
to live a life so bold?

Perhaps, ascending farther than
their flesh would choose to go,
their spirits treasure up each blessing
forged in mortal woe:

The bruising blow, the aching back,
the blistered feet, the trail. . .
call them to wait upon the Lord.
Through Him, their souls prevail.

In Him are all things possible.
From Him, all blessings flow.
If we would stand on mountaintops,
we cannot rest below.

We mount up, humbled to receive
what Christ would have us know.
We climb. We rise on eagle wings.
We love. We live. We grow.

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.”

2^nd Nephi 2:3 – “…Thou knowest the greatness of God; and he shall consecrate thine afflictions for thy gain. Wherefore, thy soul shall be blessed…”

Dallin H. Oaks – “The courageous faith and action of one person who excels in coping with adversity can be a great blessing to others who are strengthened by the example.”

If this poem resonates with you, you may also enjoy God Watches Out for Me.

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