Walking

In my last blog I wrote about running. I mentioned several Scripture verses about running the spiritual race we are in. But I left out my favorite. It not only mentions running, but walking, and even flying. Life is a mixture of all of these activities. And as much as I enjoy flying, that’s not the most common activity. Walking is.

Here’s the verse: “Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 

but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:30-31, NIV). There you have it. One of the most encouraging verses in the Bible!

Did you notice, though, that there is a “but” in the middle? That means there is a condition to the promise. We must place our hope, our whole hope, in God. The King James Version says “those who wait on the Lord.” Waiting does not come easily for me. How about you? But I’m learning to wait more patiently and hope more fervently. The results are worth it.

Whatever stage you are at today – walking, running, flying – there is always hope. Always more strength available. And even in a race, some people finish by walking over the finish line. The important thing is finishing. Here’s one of my old poems that I thought would be appropriate on this subject.

Some days we walk; some days we crawl. Some days we run; some days we fall. But God is there to renew our strength, and He will go to any length to lift us high above earthly things, where we can soar on eagles’ wings. I wish that I could know the joys of flying the peaceful heavens always. But sometimes I must be satisfied to know that this strength will be supplied on another day . . . in another place, and faithfully continue this earthly foot race.

Happy walking to you today. Whether you are walking in a garden, up a rough pathway, or down a busy road, are you walking with confidence and hope?