Sojourner #065: On Wings Like Eagles - Summer Volleyball Camp
“But those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not become weary, they will walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31, ESV)
On July 12, 2025, H.E.R. Ministry hosted a summer volleyball camp at the Rainbow City Recreation Center in Rainbow City, AL, welcoming girls from 1st through 5th grade and 6th through 9th grade.
Led by Hannah Rogers, a former college volleyball player, the camp provided a day full of energetic drills, fun scrimmages, games, and fellowship. Beyond developing volleyball skills, the camp also aimed to encourage the campers spiritually. The funds raised were donated to Harvestfield Church in Rainbow City, Alabama, specifically to support their Hispanic ministry, a beautiful example of how sports, community, and the gospel intersect in mission and ministry.
To anchor the day’s activities, Hannah shared a devotional centered on a powerful promise from Scripture, Isaiah 40:31. Her message encouraged the campers to reflect not only on physical endurance but on spiritual strength and trust in God. We are pleased to share her devotional here in full, as it captures the heart of the camp’s theme: soaring with God’s strength.
Soaring on Wings Like Eagles
Key Verse: Isaiah 40:31 — “but those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not become weary, they will walk and not faint.”
Volleyball camp is such an exciting experience! We bring energy, enjoy the company of others, have exciting drills and scrimmages, and play lots of games. However, it can leave our campers feeling pretty exhausted by the end of their session.
Exhaustion is a funny thing because regardless of how much you love something, it can still leave you feeling tired and overwhelmed at times. In Isaiah 40, we are reading about an exhaustion that is physical, mental, and spiritual. Can you think of a time in your life that you felt exhausted beyond the physical state?
When reading Isaiah 40:28-31, we see verses that speak of strength, perseverance, and faith. We see how all three of these components come together to lead to our key verse for camp.
Immediately, we learn how God does not get tired (v. 28). This is a crazy concept for me to grasp as I get tired all the time! Especially on days where my to-do list is extra long. Some days my tasks will even make me feel drained physically and mentally. What about feeling drained spiritually? Do you feel like you have a void in your life nothing can seem to fill? Do you notice a difference when you don’t spend time in the Word and talking to God daily? I definitely do. It is so important for us to take care of ourselves spiritually, just as we do when we are tired physically and mentally.
Verse 28 truly speaks to the power of God. Imagine creating the whole Earth and not growing tired. That is a pretty amazing God! If you are feeling tired physically, mentally, and/or spiritually, you are not alone. Verse 28 tells us that there is no limit to God’s understanding. Come to Him!
As we continue reading in Isaiah 40, verse 29 shares great news with us: God gives us strength when we are tired. How wonderful is it that our God provides for us in so many ways! But how does this happen, how does He restore our strength so that we can persevere? The answers are found as we continue reading: faith.
When I was younger, I always heard the following words: faith, hope, and trust. While I had an idea of these concepts, it was difficult for me to completely understand them. This is because of situations where my trust was completely broken. I didn’t know how to fully trust to the point I wasn’t even sure what it would mean to do so.
The definition I found for these words all had something in common, “a firm belief” and “complete.” The full definition for trust is “a firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength.” I find this important to share because this is the type of faith we should have. While the world may have shaped us to be hesitant to trust, God desires our full belief in Him and His plan for us, not that we partially believe in Him.
Training our hearts to fully rely on God is what leads us to our key verse. The section of the key verse we focused on at camp was: “soar on wings like eagles.”
What exactly does this mean and look like?
We are able to rise above the struggles. A fun fact about eagles is that they will actually fly over storm clouds. In fact, the strong winds from the storm and updrafts benefit the eagle. They take advantage of them to continue soaring. Like an eagle in the sky rising above storms, we can rise above our stress, fear, fatigue, and the unknown. We do this by relying on God’s strength, not our own. By doing so, we can gain greater gratitude for the way God is shaping us.
We see from God’s perspective. Have you ever looked at a map through the “bird’s eye point of view”? Rather than simply seeing an area from where you are standing, you are able to see the bigger picture. You have a clear high view. When you look at your life through God’s perspective, you are able to see that He is not done with you yet. He sees more than you do. While you see a door closing, He sees the opportunities awaiting you. Trust where He is leading you.
We are not just surviving, we are thriving. When you think of an eagle soaring, I would assume a bird struggling to fly does not come to mind. Soaring is about more than just getting in the air. By letting God’s power carry us, we are able to soar. We can glide gracefully, move with purpose, and truly be set free. This allows us to thrive regardless of our situation with the power of God moving within us.
The strength, perseverance, and faith described in these verses are inspiring. I hope that you will train your heart to rely on God to carry you. Soar with God.
About the Author
Hannah Rogers is a former college volleyball player passionate about mentoring young women through sports and faith. She is the founder of H.E.R. Ministry, combining her love for volleyball and gospel-centered discipleship. Hannah lives in Alabama and delights in encouraging girls to grow physically, mentally, and spiritually.
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