Strength for the Last Stretch
The Christian Professional Journal is here to offer faith-based insights and encouragement to help you navigate work and life with purpose. Together, we’ll explore how to keep Faith First, Excellence Always, as we grow and walk boldly in God’s calling.
As we near the end of this month, I’ve been reflecting on Isaiah 40:31. A verse that has carried me through countless seasons of exhaustion, pressure, and spiritual stretching:
"But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31, NKJV)
It’s a theological reality rooted in the very character of God.
Theological Insight: The Power Behind the Promise
To wait on the Lord is to rest in confident expectation, to lean not on our own timeline, resources, or understanding, but to trust in His sovereign hand, even when we can’t see the next step.
The Hebrew word for “wait” (qavah) carries the idea of binding oneself to God, like twisting a cord around something strong. It’s an act of faith and surrender.
And in return? Strength is renewed.
The eagle doesn’t flap wildly to rise; it catches the wind. That’s us when we let God carry us. He lifts us above discouragement, distraction, and even disappointment. He gives us grace not just for the sprint, but for the steady walk.
It may seem backward. Shouldn’t we walk first, then run, then fly? But the Spirit’s order is intentional. We begin by rising in faith. Then we move forward in endurance. Then we walk the daily walk, one step at a time.
Job: The Endurance of a Righteous Man
Job was a man described as blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil (Job 1:1). Yet in a divine test, Job lost everything, his wealth, his children, and his health.
Despite unimaginable suffering, Job did not curse God. He wrestled, questioned, lamented, and grieved, but he endured.
“Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.” (Job 13:15)
That is endurance.
Even when his friends accused him and his wife told him to "curse God and die," Job held to his integrity. His endurance was anchored in faith.
James later refers to Job as an example of perseverance:
“Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.” (James 5:11, NKJV)
Why Job’s Endurance Matters:
He endured spiritual confusion, physical suffering, and relational isolation.
He teaches us that endurance is trusting God through it.
In the end, God restored Job and revealed His purpose, showing that those who endure are not forgotten.
Personal Reflection: Endurance Behind the Scenes
Endurance is something I continue to work on deeply. As I write books, send out these newsletters, prepare messages, and navigate the spiritual warfare that often comes with stepping out in obedience, I’ve learned that strength comes from above. That’s when I remember, this work isn’t mine alone. It’s God's. And that’s enough to keep going.
Application: A Heart Check for the End of the Month
As this month wraps up, I encourage you to take a moment to check in with your soul.
Have you been relying on your own strength or waiting on the Lord’s?
Is your prayer life tired, or alive with His presence?
Are you walking in what He’s called you to do or are you stuck at the starting line?
God doesn’t expect you to finish the race in one month. But He does call us to run it with endurance (Hebrews 12:1), with our eyes fixed on Jesus.
Wherever you are soaring, running, or walking, He sees you. He strengthens you. He is with you.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, renew my strength. Lift me when I grow weary. Help me to run my race, walk in Your will, and soar when You call me higher. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
From the Desk of a Writer Still Running:
As I continue working on upcoming books, writing these newsletters, and praying over each word that goes out, I ask for your continued prayers too. The battle behind the scenes is real, but so is God’s grace.
And I want to encourage you with this:
It’s not over. If you’re still breathing, God’s still building.
And if you’re following His will, you don’t give up, you keep going.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance.
"The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself.” Proverbs 11:25
Thanking dear brothers and sisters who sow bountifully by gifting copies of my book, "Sin the Great Joker".
To everyone who has helped carry this mission forward... whether by gifting the book to yourself, gifting it with others, or taking the time to leave a heartfelt review, thank you! You are sowing seeds that will bear fruit in ways only eternity will fully reveal.
Your generosity, encouragement, and faithfulness have helped place this message into the hands of those who need it most.
If you feel led, consider gifting a copy today—to yourself or someone who could use a reminder of God’s grace and truth. Every seed sown matters.
May every seed sown lead someone one step closer to Jesus.
Help Spread the Word
Share with Friends, give the Gift of Faith and if you loved the book, please consider giving it a heartfelt and thoughtful review. Your feedback helps others discover the book and its message of hope and faith. www.sinthegreatjoker.com
Praying His peace and blessings abound in your life.
