Not long ago, I heard my Pastor talk about some world-class runners he was watching compete. These men were strong, had high endurance, and trained long hours for this competition. He reminded us, though, that regardless of how these athletes had finished the race – no matter how they placed – they all had one thing in common: after running that hard, they all had to stop and catch their breath.
Have you ever noticed how catching our breath cannot be rushed? Our lungs will unapologetically take the full time necessary to refill with life-giving oxygen. If they don’t, our brain, muscles, our entire body will collapse. While every part of our bodies uses the oxygen, our lungs are the only entry point for that necessary component. It cannot enter and be properly utilized in any other way. Even when we need help breathing, the assist has to go through the lungs.
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
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 40:29-31
What a beautiful promise!
- It begins with the declaration that our strength comes from our loving Father.
- Then acknowledges that everyone gets tired – young and old alike. Weariness is not a place of shame.
- Then we receive instruction to keep our hope in the Lord.
- Followed by such a beautifully described promise; our strength will be renewed by the Lord Himself.
- And when the Lord renews our strength, we will rise to great heights and be able to do more than we could on our own!
It is critical that we not only pause to catch our breath, but that we go to the One who gives that breath to us. We are created to work hard and rest well. He gives us our work and our breath. One cannot happen without the other. And He delights in blessing both for supernatural effectiveness.
The work He has entrusted to you may feel beyond your capabilities at times. I have great news: He hasn’t called us to do anything without Him. He has called us to His work, divinely appointed by Him, and with Him. We were never meant to take off and do it on our own!
The same is true for our rest. He is our Creator and intimately knows how we need to rest and when we need to rest. He does not expect us to figure out the details. He simply invites us into His presence to receive from Him. Divinely orchestrated and perfectly administered. Breath. Rest. Refreshing. Renewal. Spirit.
Each day you serve the Lord and His Beloved with grace, tenacity, conviction, and deep love. You work behind the scenes without expectation of the spotlight; doing things that only the Father sees. You know what it means to serve well and you have made that excellence the standard. So let me gently remind you to pause and catch your breath. Take the necessary time to let our Father fill your lungs with His holy breath. Allow His Spirit to refresh and empower you for your next, established steps. And as you quiet yourself in His presence, you will hear His loving reminder…
You are adored.
You Are Adored 