But they who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint -Isaiah 40:31
Last year I challenged myself to run my first 10K race on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. It was hard. When I first started the race I felt pretty confident. I had trained months in advance to make sure I felt strong during the race. Yet that first climb on the ramp barely into my first mile had me regretting signing up. I quickly realized that I had 5 more miles of this and I started to feel a little anxious. I told myself “it’s okay, just one foot in front of the other.” My friend running next to me was a huge support. We made sure we both were going at a similar pace and it kept the run less painfully lonely. During the run I kept thinking why did I punish myself? I hate running. I truly do, but the as joy of the endorphins kicked in I remembered my why. I choose to run as a form of working out, but it’s not because I enjoy it. It’s because it challenges my body to endure, my lungs grow in strength, and my mind to stay focused. That’s why I run.
In the book of Isaiah chapter 40 verse 1, the Lord is encouraging his people. He says, “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles. They shall run and not be weary. They shall walk and not faint.” Normally I listen to all types of music on my runs, but I ended up listening to worship that day. I felt like I needed God to give me the strength to keep going when I wanted to stop. Nothing else was motivating me enough. Eventually my headphones died and I had no choice but to stay focused on finishing the race.
God made his promise to the Israelites by telling them that if they keep waiting on the Lord, He will renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles. Can you imagine what that looks like in the spiritual world? What would it feel like? He says they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. This is the Lord’s promise to His chosen people in the book of Isaiah. It is also a promise to me, to stay focused and wait on the Lord. He will constantly give me the endurance and support I need to do whatever I am called to do. Whether it’s another 10K race or completing and posting this devotional. As long as I am focused on Him, He will guide me and give me the strength to keep going, just like He did the day of my run.
You may be going through a challenging or trying time right now and through it all God still has a plan. Stay focused on Him.
I hope this devotional encouraged you. Know in your heart that God truly loves you. He desires a personal relationship with you. Let’s not grow weary or faint, but instead wait on Him in all circumstances especially the stressful ones.
God bless you brothers and sisters in Christ. Have a blessed week.
Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life 