"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).
When I was in late high school and early college, I was obsessed with running. While I never ran for an academic team, I had personal goals and challenges I would set for myself week after week. From sprint workouts to fartleks, my average was 3-5 miles a day, 5 times a week.
One day, I was running on the paved trail at Ohio Christian University. Summer had just turned into fall, and I was getting into my groove. Every step on the black asphalt beneath my feet made me feel quicker and stronger. I didn't have a particular goal for that run, but it ended up being my fastest miles yet. Why?
Because as I listened to worship songs, my feet picked up the pace. I envisioned a world where no more suffering or family drama would exist. A world where my feet literally or figuratively would never grow weary. A world where trauma, abuse, and every shed tear would cease. Runner or not, doesn't that sound like a dream?
The good news about Isaiah's words in chapter 40, verse 31, is that we don't have to wait for Heaven to experience Jesus' hope in the here and now. Yes, Heaven is the only place where pain, sorrow, and fatigue will no longer exist. That's a promise for Heaven and not earth. But if we believe in Jesus and have a personal relationship with Him, that promise of hope can equip and encourage us today.
Having hope in something, and more specifically someone beyond yourself, is powerful because it releases control. It acknowledges that we cannot do the thing, but He can. Hope is also not passive optimism, but rather active faith. It's the belief that God will do what He's said He will do, and despite my present circumstances, no matter what comes, I am choosing to believe His words.
Friends, no matter what you're facing today, be encouraged that Jesus' words are for now and the not yet. He gives us hope for today and tomorrow, and eternal hope for the future we will find in Heaven. This hope can outlast the most difficult race, and when we face hard things, we will not grow weary.
Yes, we will be tempted with fatigue and heavy burdens. We will be tempted to throw in the towel, give up, and stomp our feet in defeat. But those who trust in the Lord and His promises will keep on keeping on. Even when it's heavy, hard, and hurts.
How can we make hope practical today? Try implementing one of these small but effective steps:
* Journal your thoughts to the Lord. Tell Him your hopes and dreams, but also split open your hurts and chaos. He's not afraid of your circumstances and wants to help you overcome them.
* Go on a prayer walk without your phone. Ask God to open your eyes and heart to the fact that hope does exist. Mediate on verses like Isaiah 40:31 and see what God reveals.
* Talk to a counselor or therapist about your struggles with hope. Explore coping skills like deep breathing or grounding techniques that can help you remember to bask in the Lord's presence and providence.
* Start a gratitude journal. Every morning or evening, take the time to reflect on three things you are thankful for. It doesn't have to be big, but even small blessings, such as a smile or sunshine, can make a difference in our view of hope for hard days.
* Share your struggles with a friend. If you're having a difficult time holding onto hope, remember Galatians 6:2. It's in bearing one another's burdens and sharing with each other that we fulfill the Law of Christ. It's okay to struggle, and we were never meant to handle these challenges in life alone.
Prayer
Dear God,
Running the race of life can be challenging and discouraging. Between difficult life events and chaotic families, clinging to hope in these times isn't easy. When we're tempted to lose our way or give up, remind us that your hope is available at all times and in every season. You give us the endurance and confidence we need to carry on, and because of you, hope is real. Hope is alive and active. Hope is how we don't give up. We praise and thank you, Lord, for this gift. Amen.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Isbjorn
Originally published Monday, 01 September 2025.
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