08
Apr '19
Second-Wind Strength
08
Apr '19
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)
At the age of fifty-four I entered the Milwaukee marathon with two goals—to finish the race and to do it under five hours. My time would have been amazing if the second 13.1 miles went as well as the first. But the race was grueling, and the second-wind strength I’d hoped for never came. By the time I made it to the finish line, my steady stride had morphed into a painful walk.
Footraces aren’t the only things that require second-wind strength—life’s race does too. To endure, tired, weary people need God’s help. Isaiah 40:27–31 beautifully weds poetry and prophecy to comfort and motivate people who need strength to keep going. Timeless words remind fatigued and discouraged people that the Lord isn’t detached or uncaring (v. 27), that our plight doesn’t escape His notice. These words breathe comfort and assurance, and remind us of God’s limitless power and bottomless knowledge (v. 28).
The second-wind strength described in verses 29–31 is just right for us—whether we’re in the throes of raising and providing for our families, struggling through life under the weight of physical or financial burdens, or discouraged by relational tensions or spiritual challenges. Such is the strength that awaits those who—through meditating on the Scriptures and prayer—wait upon the Lord.
When have life circumstances taken the wind out of you? In what particular area do you need God’s strength today?
Lord, I come to You in my weakness and tiredness; please grant me renewed strength. Amen.
After reading this devotion I was reminded of that beautiful hymn, 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 they shall walk and not faint, teach me Lord, teach me Lord to wait. Teach me Lord to wait down on my knees and in your own good time I know you will answer my plea, teach me not to rely on what others do but to wait in prayer for the answer comes from you. Today, whatever your facing, my prayer for you is that you will wait on The Lord, faith believing in prayer. He will grant you renewed strength, trust Him for it. He will provide you with your second wind in life.
Have a beautiful day in The Lord!
Today’s Reading is Matthew 18:20