Spiritual Stamina预览

Stamina When You Hit the Wall

A few years ago, I ran the New York City Marathon.

At the starting line, I felt like I could run around the globe, but at mile 18, I hit the wall, a term runners use for the point where inspiration breaks. Hitting the wall is incredibly difficult to push through, especially when the finish line is beyond sight.

The apostle Paul talks to believers who are running their spiritual race. In 1 Corinthians 9, he challenges Christians to run hard, as though we are running to win a prize. An athlete who wants to reach the finish line does not give up when conditions are unfavorable, fatigue sets in, or even when they hit the dreaded wall. True competitors dig deep and endure. They trust their training and believe that the unseen finish line does exist.

In Luke 5, we read about Simon, who hit a wall in his profession. Fishing was Simon’s livelihood, the one thing that the rest of his life hinged on, and yet after fishing all night, he could not catch a single fish. Imagine a pro athlete who never scored a goal or a ballerina who could not pirouette. Miserable and exhausted, Simon had nothing to show for his efforts. Can you relate to your job, school, or spiritual life?

This is when Jesus steps onto the scene. When Simon hits a wall, when his expertise and physical strength fail him, Jesus provides what Simon could not. As a result, Simon recognizes his profound need for the Savior. Obedience to Jesus was all it took for a miracle that day. What miracle are you waiting for at the wall?

Reflection: How has relying on my knowledge, expertise, and strength failed me in moments when I hit a wall? In what area of my life have I reached the end of myself and need to look to Jesus for provision?

Prayer: Jesus, help me trust that you will make a way where there seems to be no way forward. I believe that you can and will provide the stamina I simply cannot pull together on my own. Please help me push through this wall I’m currently experiencing or any I might encounter in the future.