Isaiah 40:29-31
29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 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 be faint.
It's unlikely I'll ever be famous for my running ability. Still, I have discovered more ways to run than just physically.
We can run from problems.
Run from responsibility.
Run from fear.
Run from vulnerability.
We can run from the truth and run from each other. Sometimes, we run in subtle ways, like withholding from honest conversation or refusing to acknowledge our emotions. And, of course, there are many other ways to run from the things we ought to face up to.
As the year began, I sensed the Lord calling us to focus on health. Healthy things grow, but more than that, they have the potential to thrive. 'Even youths grow tired and weary... but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength'.
Running, I'm told, contributes towards being healthy.
If we have to run, let's run towards the purpose that God has for us. Let's run towards the responsibility of thriving in our faith and lives. Let's run towards each other in building trust and strength in the family of God.
Let's bring the good news of knowing Jesus to every part of our life. As we run, we must wait on The Lord and renew our strength in Him ⎯that's where the 'health' part comes into play.
We don't want to do this journey of faith in our strength... we will only tire and burn out, but we want to run having been revitalised in the presence of God.
We will be renewed as we put our hope in Jesus, wait on Him, and consistently realign our hearts and minds with Him.
Libby and I are continually encouraged by how our church walks alongside others. We come to pray, worship, and serve alongside each other; in doing so, we find our strength renewed.
May you not grow weary, may you not grow tired, but as you seek to extend the table of God's kingdom, may you renew your strength in God's perfect peace.
Much love,
Julian