Renew your strength

"Even youths will faint and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted; but those who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:30-31

     A friend is preparing to run her tenth marathon. She meticulously trains for each event, careful to include in her training program thorough mental, physical and spiritual preparation. Having run thousands of training miles, the woman is wise enough to know she needs intentional strength building through a balance of rest, nutrition, hydration, and develop through exercise, all bodily muscle groups.

     With this in mind, my friend intentionally scheduled rest days on her training calendar. This is especially critical, for without rest, her fatigued muscles will be too tired to run fast, and she will be more vulnerable to injuries on race day. Rest rejuvenates, revives, and restores long distance perspective. Rest renews depleted emotions and physical reserves. Through resting, strength is renewed.

     What does this have to do with your situation in Zimbabwe? There are no easy or quick solutions and cures for Zimbabwe's problems. Like a marathoner, you must pace yourself carefully for the long haul. At every opportunity, take a rest day from your labors and renew your strength.

     But there is more to renewing one's strength than a balance of exercise and rest. To go the distance, each runner must dig deep within themselves for a spiritual component, to sustain them when it feels impossible to run one more step, and the temptation to drop out and quit running the race is strong.

     It is easy to renew spiritual strength through the daily practice of resting in God. This is as simple as breathing and something everyone can do. Through breath prayers, ask God to renew your strength and stamina. Consider using today's verses from Isaiah to guide your prayers. Perhaps a phrase or word will became a meaningful and encouraging mantra.

     Trust God to renew your strength today whatever your circumstances. Through rest and breath, God will sustain you for the day. You might even find yourself flying on eagle's wings.

     Prayer: Renew my strength, God, when I am exhausted, faint and weary. Help me rest in You throughout the day. Be with me in every breath and every step. I want to fly with the eagles. And please strengthen those who are weary and faint in Zimbabwe. Amen.

Written by Rev. Dr. Sandy Bochonok
http://soulfoodministry.org
September 30, 2002
Permission is given to freely distribute this reflection throughout Zimbabwe.