Any Given Monday

I got up this morning and went to the gym. That's part of my Monday morning routine. It jump starts my week in more ways than one. Today I went to do cardio. After running 4 miles on the treadmill I was ready to pack it in. I was tired, exhausted, spent. I was done or so I thought but then something surprising happened... I caught my second wind and ran for another 3 miles. I thought I had gone as far and as long as I could go when I hit the wall but I was wrong. That's the power of the second wind.

Have you ever "hit the wall". Have you thought to yourself, OK I'm done. I've got nothing left. I'm not even running on empty, I'm just empty.

Ever been there? Have you ever caught your second wind?

It hit me today as I caught mine that one of the most powerful word pictures used for the Holy Spirit is that of a 'Mighty Rushing Wind.' The thought that caught me off guard is that I know there have been times when instead of waiting to catch the second wind of the Spirit, I have given up, gone home, quit running the race. How about you?

I'm a pastor. I'm a leader of people. For the most part I love what I do. On any given Monday Pastors all over the world contemplate quitting. I know I have. And guess what... it's Monday.

Thank God for His second wind.

Without a doubt there will be times in this life when you and I will hit the wall and it will feel like it's over. There's a second wind for those who wait upon the Lord. Sometimes I believe the Lord will even allow us to continue running on empty just to get us to a place where we can experience the second wind. A place where we come to realize, it's God and God alone that empowers, sustains and supports us in this race. It's not a bad place to be.