Wait on Him for Strength

“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.” Isaiah 40:31 NKJV

Like many of the runners that had to drop down to a shorter distance due to the extreme heat at Saturday’s Bad Dawg Endurance event that included a 12 mile, 50k, 50 mile, 100k and 100 mile distance, I rested for a while upon finishing 60 miles and then rose early Sunday morning to complete the remaining ones before the 30 hour cutoff. The day’s heat and glaring sun that drove the heat index well above 100 literally zapped my strength; but it didn’t break my spirit. Nor did it break the spirit of many others. By the time the sun was rising, four other runners who found the conditions unbearable earlier had returned to the course hours later to resume their race; completing distances from the 50k to the 100k. Gretchen and Amanda (pictured above) were two of those runners as was April Leonard who messaged me after wrapping up her first 50 mile run and said, “Unconventional finish but a finish!” Unconventional indeed when you consider that most runners will bow out when their strength is gone, not considering that simply waiting for their strength to return could allow them to come back and finish. 

And you know, when it comes to our spiritual race, every believer will have times of discouragement and trial when their strength will be zapped and they will be tempted to drop out and accept a DNF (Did Not Finish). But the Bible tells us that “those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength.” Which means when we tarry in the midst of our struggle—admitting we don’t have the strength to press on and acknowledging that we need the strength only God can give—the Lord will provide the power we require to “mount up with wings like eagles” and to complete the race. 

So if that’s you today and you’re saying, “Melissa I’m so tired. I don’t think I can take another step on my own,” then stop and rest in the Lord my friend. Allow Him to give you the strength you need to “run and not be weary” so you can make it to the finish line. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that the race of life is not a 5k but an ultramarathon where our strength will ebb and flow. Cause us to pause and to look to You when we are feeling weak rather than giving up that we might receive from You the strength to press on and bring You glory through our efforts. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!