“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.” (Isaiah 40:31)
I used to think I could get through anything. Solve any problem, get through any hardship, push through any weakness. All I needed was willpower, focus, and coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.
Looking back I cringe a little at the pride I took in my own workaholic tendencies, which I often carried into my personal relationships.
Everything I did came from the well of my own strength. And wouldn’t you know it, that well eventually ran dry.
Hitting the wall can be a physical thing, like being exhausted, or it can be a mental thing, like feeling depressed. Surprise, surprise, I got the package deal.
Suddenly, my strength was gone. And there was no renewal of spirit in sight. Just worn out, foggy-brained me.
In retrospect, I see how God took this season of my life to guide me back to him. But at the time, I only saw my weakness and a hopeless situation.
God’s strength will renew ours
It took time for me to realize that my strength was finite. It could only last so long before it needed to be refreshed.
Not renewed with a good night’s sleep (though that does help). And not by a venti coffee.
I need God to renew me. To take my emptiness and fill it with His strength and grace and love. Nothing I came up with could compare.
My prayers weren’t answered right away, but I was also not left alone through this time. I felt the loving presence of God in my days, even the bad ones.
Sometimes it was in the kindness of a friend. Or in the laughter that perked up my days. Or in the peace that stole over my anxious heart.
Little by little, God strengthened me. He renewed and refreshed my body and soul. He forgave my pride and placed my feet back on the path.
It’s not easy having faith in what we can’t see or touch. Maybe that’s why we have to go through struggles, so we can finally trust in the unseen.
To stop believing with our brains, and instead believe with our hearts.
Have a blessed Monday!
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