Sprinting or Strolling

A good friend of mine and I decided to fulfill one of our gym requirements in college with a class called, "Walk and Jog".

The purpose of this class (taught by a former Olympic runner) was to assist to strengthen each student, where ever they were in their exercise journey.

The class was in the morning and the outdoor setting was often in the cold and or rain. I remember one particular morning Jen and I were really struggling to do our best to just continue moving along the side walk. At that point, one of us asked the other, (my memory is failing me who said what since this was over a decade ago), "Are we actually walking or jogging?"...the answer coming from the other one: "I don't know, but let's just keep moving!".

The truth was that we were so tired, but we knew that we needed to just keep on keeping on to compete our workout.

Isn't that so true for life as well? It is not an option for us to just stand still. So, it's up to us to keep moving. Each day. Every day.

Some seasons of our lives require a full on sprint. Some seasons allow for a moment to pause and catch our breath as we stroll.

Either way, we are still moving.

This afternoon I was reading a verse that I have read many times before. However, this time a few things struck me so powerfully. Here's the verse:

"Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary. they will walk and not faint." ~ Isaiah 40:30-31

I was so taken by the fact that even youths grow tired, (I feel like that's still be me since I am only in my 30's), and we will stumble and fall -- that's guaranteed! However, if I chose to turn my eyes to the Lord and allow Him to help me in my race, He WILL renew my strength!

Can you imagine what it would be like to soar on the wings of eagles?!

All I know is that it seems effortless to them as they gracefully glide as they catch the wind just right in the sky. What a beautiful image of our loving God wanting to help us not only move forward but SOAR! That's powerful and glorious! What a promise!

The second part of the verse also caught my attention: "...run and not grow weary...walk and not be faint". This says, to me, that no matter where we are in our journey, whether it's a full on sprint or a slow paced stroll, we are given the strength to pick up our tired and aching feet with each step as we just keep on keeping on.

Right now I am wishing that my season would provide me a chance to take a long and relaxing stroll through the garden of life, but instead I am sprinting at what feels like break-neck speed. But, I am now also taking a moment to catch my breath and ask for the strength for my weariness and an increase in the power of each and every step as I jump into this new year.

If you feel as though you are limping or struggling to keep up with the pace, take a moment to turn your eyes to Jesus and put your hope in Him. Allow Him to renew your strength and not only lift you off the ground, but He help you to soar!