Nancy Taylor Tate
“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength…” Isaiah 40:31.
The sun was setting, the night air getting cold. As we pushed to get done, we ran into a kink that just wouldn’t resolve. Allen, not a quitter, said, “We are in the overcoming mode!” We chuckled then continued to wrestle.
It got darker and darker. Finally, I said, “I’m done, let’s do this tomorrow.” Knowing I wasn’t one to quit either, Allen queried, “What are you saying?” I responded, “I am saying I think we’re done for tonight!” Allen resignedly looked around and agreed, he too was done! We secured things for the night and tottered off to get some rest.
The next morning the sun was shining. Refreshed, Allen had some ideas he’d had time to ponder. As I listened to him work, whistling and singing, this time conquering the hurdles, I was so glad we had taken the time to get refreshed!
This is God’s plan – times of working, times of refreshing. The next night we did have to push through due to inclement weather. But there are times we can stop, get refreshed, then continue. Wisdom, if we’re going to make it for the long haul, is to know the difference! When to stop, and when to go!
We see many examples of this in scripture. For instance, in Exodus 19:3 and 14 Moses went up to spend time in God’s presence, then came down to minister to the people. In the life of Christ, we see the same pattern. Matthew 17:1, 9, and 14 tells us Jesus went up into a mountain apart to pray, then came down to minister to the people. Luke 9:2 and 10 shows us that Jesus trained His disciples in the same way to minister, then to take time apart to be refreshed.
I think of my dad and so many others who ran their race before us. I remember them, then I think of all the years behind me, and I thank the Lord for His faithfulness. Then I look with expectation at the years yet ahead!
May we live our lives with gusto! May we find our pattern of ministry, rest, and refreshing so we too can run, not just as in a sprint, but a marathon, making it to the finish line with joy, in the strength of the Lord!
We are living in a turbulent time, yet the Lord continues to raise up a people to be carriers of His presence, carriers of His glory. May each of us be found faithful in the place God has us! May we find and sustain consistent times of refreshing, that with vigor we might complete our full course.
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” Galatians 6:9.
“But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing” 2 Thessalonians 3:13.
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” Matthew 11:28.
“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.