Abundant GraceSample

HOLD STEADY, PRESS ON

Running offers an incredible parallel to the spiritual life. If you’re a runner, you understand the crazy mental game you play on just about every venture. No matter how long or short the run, at some point you are going to want to stop. The sun might be blazing down on you, your feet might start hurting, or your side might start cramping (literally the worst!). You might have plenty of reasons to quit, and you will definitely reach the point when stopping seems like a better alternative to pushing through.

Spiritually, the struggle is the same. Even on the best days, we might hit moments of weakness, brokenness, or sheer fatigue. We may have to fight the urge to live for ourselves instead of considering the needs of others. We may become torn between seeking God’s good and wanting our gain. We may encounter such heartbreaking disappointment that we want to throw in the towel and walk away.

But no great (or mediocre, for that matter) runner ever crossed the finish line with the luxury of ease. To keep going, a runner has to double down—left foot, right foot, breathe in, breathe out.

The difficulty with our spiritual race is that we often feel the pressure to accomplish something great to please God. Many of us get so transfixed by some spiritual peak or pinnacle that we feel bad or guilty when we can only focus on the next step. We correlate our fatigue with failure.

Hear this: We all get tired. We all have moments of doubt. There will be days when the goal seems too far to reach. But our relationship with God is a journey. When all you can think of is "I’m tired, God," remember to reach out for the hydrating grace only He can give — a grace that will quench your thirst and satisfy your soul. As the author of Hebrews says, “fix your eyes” on Jesus and the joy to come (Hebrews 12:2).

On days of weakness, don’t be overwhelmed by the task that lies ahead. Take your race one step at a time and keep moving forward in the grace He gives.

Left foot, right foot — His grace is enough.

What obstacle is weighing you down or filling you with exhaustion right now? How can you cultivate time with God to guard your heart against spiritual fatigue?