Do you ever want to give up, friend?

Hello friend, and thank you for spending a few minutes with me today. 

I ran into a friend, just moments ago, and I asked them this question: “How are you doing?” Their response was: “I am just really tired.”

So many people are suffering with a sense of weariness in the world today. The constant bad news of war, violence, political unrest, and financial strain has taken its toll on people. I am so grateful that Jesus has a promise that helps with weariness!

Years ago, I had the opportunity to train for and run a marathon. It's the only time I've accomplished this goal, and I can honestly say, it’s the only time I will ever attempt it! I am done running marathons! I can check the box and say I ran a marathon from beginning to end, 26.2 miles. 

The training was grueling. In fact, there were times when I felt guilty because after going to work all day, I would leave my family in order to go out and train. I would run for hours in order to get my body into a position where I could run 26.2 miles at one time and the rigorous training took its toll on me. In fact, I underwent significant weight loss in my pursuit of being able to cross the finish line in under four hours. 

There were times during my training when I felt like I had completely run out of strength. There's a phenomenon with marathon runners called Heavy Leg Syndrome. When you get heavy legs, it feels like you cannot take another step. Your legs seem to weigh hundreds, if not thousands, of pounds and simply putting one foot in front of the other becomes an incredible task. Being able to push through the phenomenon of heavy legs is an incredible challenge, and for me, there were so many moments when I just felt like giving up. 

Can I be honest and transparent with you, my friend? There are moments when I have a “heavy heart.” There are moments when I feel like I just simply cannot go on because of obstacles or challenges, many of which I've created out of my own disobedience to God. In those moments, I hold on to a simple word in scripture that God has promised strength. 

friend, I am sure that you have encountered times when you feel like you cannot go on, but I have good news for you, God has promised strength for the weary! 

In Isaiah, God says to you and me: “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” (Isaiah 40:29 NIV)

There is an old song that I love because it speaks to my weariness every time I sing it.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,Blessings all mine and ten thousand beside.

Great is thy faithfulness,Great is thy faithfulness,Morning by morning new mercies I see.All I have needed thy hand hast provided;Great is thy faithfulness,Lord unto me.

I love the immediacy of God’s promise of strength. It’s for today, right here and right now, and embedded in the promise of strength is also the promise of resiliency!

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31 KJV)

friend, our heavy hearts can be brought to a God who promises strength, faithfulness, and fortitude. 

As you look at the world around you, God has a mission for you to walk in strength and confidence. You can do it and never forget, my friend...

You are a miracle!