Run and not grow weary?

I was out taking Luna (our sweet Cockapoo) for a walk and she was just a bundle of energy.  She was pulling on her leash because I was clearly not walking fast enough.  So I decided in the moment to go for a little run.  Not a holy moment… I got half way around the block and I thought I was going to die.  Even Luna got tired.

Isaiah 40:31.  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 has not been my personal experience to run and not nearly die much less, not grow weary.  What this verse is saying doesn’t seem natural at all but that is exactly what this verse is saying. In fact, this verse provides a roadmap to do the natural in a supernatural way.

The verse begins, “but hose who hope in the Lord”, another translation says: those who wait on the Lord, or those who look for the Lord, will renew their strength.

There is a strength we have access to when our hearts are set on the Lord and that strength enables us to do natural things like running, in a supernatural way.  It is impossible to run and not grow weary in a natural way; it is impossible to walk and not be faint.

The Lord is inviting us to find a strength that is found in seeking God’s presence. Strength is found in — hoping for; hoping on; waiting on —seeking God’s face.

And personally, there is strength that I have found in my life from fixing my gaze on God that (in hindsight) enables me to go through difficult circumstances in a supernatural way.

We are in a season of Advent.  It is a time of hopeful anticipation, spiritual reflection and renewed strength. Today, the Lord is inviting us to do the natural supernaturally and the supernatural, naturally! And the answer is found in God’s presence — waiting on the Lord, hoping in the Lord, and seeking God’s face.

Watch in HOPE

But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Saviour; my God will hear me. (Micah 7:7)

What an amazing promise of hope this is!

This was written by Micah, in the Old Testament during a time of great desolation and tragedy for the people of Israel. The whole chapter is about misery and injustice.  Micah describes it as a time of confusion and isn’t that the way it might feel for us when trouble enters our lives?

We are swept away by confusion, battered around by our circumstances or bad decisions but we don’t have to stay there. We can be people of HOPE.

Micah says, I will watch in HOPE.  This means to look with expectation. It means to lean forward.

Why would Micah watch in HOPE? And why should we? Because we believe in a God who hears us when we cry out to him.  God is compassionate and merciful.

Micah says God is my Saviour.  God is a rescuer, a deliverer because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, God is willing and able to save us.  And God hears us.

When we cry out we don’t cry out to the ceiling, we cry to the living God.

Watch for God today.  Lean toward God, don’t pull away, lean in.  How will God show up in my life today to show me kindness? It is easier said than done but maybe today we just need to say outloud…“As for me, I will be a person of HOPE.  I will wait because I know God hears me.”

The steep path

Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Saviour, and my hope is in you all day long. (Psalm 25:4-5)

Seven times we see the words ways or paths in this Psalm and each time they represent the many moments of decisions in our lives… Holy Moments, if you will.  And we know that God will be faithful to guide us along the correct paths. God leads us through the myriad of challenges in our lives and God is a faithful and constant presence.

Several years ago when we were travelling through Italy, we visited the coastal area of Cinque Terre. Cinque Terre comprises five villages that are connected by hiking trails and the towns with their colourful houses and vineyards cling to steep terraces. In Corniglia it’s a stunning 100 meters above sea level and to get to the village you have to climb 382 stairs, which we did. I love walks but that was ridiculous!

One particular day, while Brian and I were out exploring, we ended up on what I thought was the steepest path I had ever been on. We were both struggling —particularly Brian who was literally pulling me up the hill. As we were slowly making our way up this hill, we watched in amazement as a little old Italian woman came up from behind and effortlessly sailed right past us. She wasn’t even breaking a sweat. It was both embarrassing and a marvel.

After going a fair distance ahead, she turned back to invite us to stop in at her winery at the top of the hill, she then scurried on ahead. When we finally got to the top, sweating and desperate for a respite, we entered the most magnificent patio overlooking the family winery which was terraced into the rocky hills. The wine and charcuterie she offered were amazing, and as we took it all in — the vista, the beauty of the villa we stumbled on, the wine and food, our new friend with strong legs — we realized it was absolutely worth the climb up even though we had no idea any of that was there!

Here is what we can count on in life:  the path is not always easy.

But know this: God will guide you in situations seemingly beyond your capacity to bear;  you will be stretched beyond your ability; you will come through moments of despair, but you must stay on the path.  Keep your hope in God all the time. And never forget that God has your best interest in mind.

If you stay committed to the path, no matter how challenging or difficult it may be you will arrive at exactly the place where God meant for you to be.