Second Wind

When I was a teenager, I practiced judo, and part of our training included running. There were times when I would run and run, and suddenly, I felt like I couldn’t take another step. My legs were heavy, my lungs were burning, and my body was shouting at me, “That’s it. You’re done.”

And yet, if I kept going just a little longer, something amazing would happen. I would catch my second wind. Suddenly, the exhaustion lifted, my strength returned, and I felt like I could run forever!

That experience taught me something powerful: the second wind doesn’t come at the beginning—it comes when you’re at your limit. It comes after the struggle, after the fight, after the part of you that wants to give up.

And friends, life is no different. There are seasons when we feel like we’ve given all we’ve got. We’ve fought the battles, pushed through the struggles, and now we’re weary. We say, “God, I don’t think I can go any further.” But just when you think you’ve hit your limit, that’s when God sends a second wind.

The apostle Paul knew what it was like to feel exhausted, to be at the end of his strength. But in 2 Corinthians 12:9, God told him: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” That means when you feel like you can’t go on when you’re ready to give up, that’s when God breathes fresh strength into your spirit and gives you a second wind.

Maybe today, you’re running the race of faith, and you feel worn out. You’ve been believing for that breakthrough, praying for that healing, standing strong in your marriage, but it seems like nothing is changing. You’re tired. You’re discouraged. You’re ready to stop running.

But remember, it’s always the hardest right before the breakthrough. Don’t stop now. You’re about to catch your second wind. God’s power shows up when you feel powerless. When you’re out of breath, He breathes into your lungs. When your strength is gone, His strength takes over and lifts you up.

This is not the end of your race. This is just the moment before your second wind kicks in. Keep running. Keep believing. Keep pressing forward. God is about to renew your strength, and you’re going to finish stronger than ever.