Run And Not Be Weary

Isaiah 40:31 – They shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (KJV)

[Editor's note: Today's author hails from New Brunswick, Canada, but is spending the summer in the USA as a student youth pastor. – JTH]

I was watching one of the teens from my youth group run at the first state high school track meet of the season. Prior to the race, young teens were running, stretching, preparing. Then the participants lined up, the gun was fired, and they were off. At first it looked as if any one of them could win. Then, one by one, they began to slow.

Four times around the track would complete the mile race. One young man continued at a steady pace while more of the others faded back. On the last lap, he actually picked up speed and won far ahead of the rest. The one who finished next to last fell to the ground, writhing in pain.

What could make such a difference? The teen from my church told me that the winner had been practising all summer, running miles every day. Some of the others had just begun training, or had not trained at all.

Who "shall run and not be weary"? Who has that kind of energy? All of us? No, only those who have prepared, only those who have trained, only those who have waited upon the Lord. We cannot go disregarding God — ignoring His principles, breaking His laws — and expect to reap His benefits. The dynamic life principle is for those who wait upon the Lord.

Prayer: Sovereign Lord, teach and guide us to seek out your mighty hand for the strength that we need in order to continue on day by day. Help us, Lord, to discern more effectively what we can do and what we should do. Give us the strength to run and not be weary, so that we may have victory today. In your name we pray. Amen.