A Little Further

"I think it's time you went a little further," my sweet husband Marty said to me as I laced up for my evening run. Looking at him with a "let's not get too crazy" expression on my face, I was not exactly on board with his big idea. Still, I decided that perhaps there was some merit in the words "no pain, no gain." My runs had been getting easier. Maybe it was time to step things up a notch.

I set out with my expectations low. Truly, I didn't expect to be able to run all that much further. After all, I have only been running a few weeks. Surely, my endurance was not that much stronger. The road stretched out before me and my pace remained strong. Before long, a new attitude filled my heart. As my feet steadily pounded the pavement, I found new energy. I was not tired. I did not grow weary. I had run furthur than I imagined I could. And I was invigorated! Just then, I was reminded of one of God's great promises:

"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 40:31 NIV)

Before long, my run was over. With the sun setting quickly, I returned back to my driveway and shared my triumph with Marty. Renewed and encouraged, I wondered just how far my legs might have taken me if I had more time to run that night. Every part of me felt alive and ready for more! Marty was right all along. I WAS ready to go a little further.

That's how it is with God. When we think we can't go on, His love fills us with hope and offers renewal. It's true with running. It's true with life. Sometimes we just have to go a little further to experience His great work in our lives.