The day I gave birth to my son, I learned what it meant to truly labor. I don’t mean what it meant to be in pain, though that certainly came with it. I’m talking about working and working hard. For nineteen hours, I exerted myself, using all the strength I had, even when I felt that strength was gone, until I finally held the benefits of my labor in my arms. In an instant, I forgot how difficult the effort had been and the strain on my body seemed to disappear as I looked into the face of my beautiful baby boy. I was soaring!

Labor is hard. In fact, I don’t really know how it is humanly possible to get through it. The strength I had during those long, strenuous hours was a gift. Prior to that, during the 9 months I spent waiting for that day, I spent most of my time sleeping! I didn’t have any energy at all. I couldn’t even fathom how I was going to have the strength to cook dinner, let alone give birth! But, I know that God is the one who strengthens us. He enables us to work and it is He who gives us the power to do things that to our minds seem impossible.

“I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13 

Would you say that you are a strong person? Are you able to keep working at a task long after your energy is depleted? Many of us could say, “yes”, especially if we are careful to take rests and refuel. But, what do we do when the labor we are experiencing is not physical?

I’ve been exhausted lately while laboring through our valley. My strength is waining and I’ve become discouraged. This valley is a long and difficult one. And although I know there will be an end, there seems none in sight. Have you been there before? Strain and exhaustion become so overwhelming that our minds and bodies seemingly can’t function. Rather than keeping our heads up and moving forward in the battle, we find ourselves motionless, lost and broken. In our suffering we feel alone with nowhere to turn. Even God can seem distant.

But He is not.

Though we may not feel Him in our weakness, He is right by our side. God promises that we only need to turn to Him and He will strengthen us! I am clinging to that promise and by doing that I can already sense His strength beginning to permeate my soul.

“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 

I am ready to soar! And, I know that as I continue to turn to God, He will give me the rest and strength I need. Today I am placing my hope in Him, releasing my fears and discouragement into His care. How about you? Are you ready to rest and refuel in Him? Are you ready to soar?

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 

Secure in Hope,



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20 Comments

  1. i love your writing and will always encourage you. yes it's hard to labor … but the end result is worth it.

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    1. Hi Sharon! When we depend on the Lord and look to Him for our strength, He is faithful to provide all that we need! And you are so right...the end result is worth all the work! Thanks for stopping by!

      Blessings, Joan

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  2. Joan, thank you for sharing your thoughts about labor and being able to soar. God is with you in the valley, just like he was with you during your difficult labor. Praying that you find your way out of the valley and that you only remember the end result of this difficult time too. Blessings to you!

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    1. Just knowing that God is with me and is strengthening me makes all the difference! I know that difficult times will come and go, but God always has a plan! Today I'm seeing the benefits of leaning into Him...there is a bright future ahead!

      Blessings, Joan

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  3. I have been there - so exhausted from the battle, feeling like continuing is impossible, no end in sight. BUT GOD! Somehow, by His Spirit, He sustains, He carries, He empowers, He LOVES us through it. He is faithful.

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  4. "But God"...yes! We can be exhausted, discouraged and afraid, however, God will always step in when we turn to Him! His love is so great He'll never let us go!

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  5. I'm learning (slowly) that it's in the labor of life that we find out what we can do--and how big our God is!

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    1. Absolutely! We can do all things through Him! It is amazing how much He enables us to do when we lean into Him!

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  6. Nice post, and good to meet you through the InstaEncouragements linkup! Sharing this on Twitter.

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    1. Hi Sarah! Thanks for stopping by and for sharing on Twitter! Blessings!

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  7. Powerful Truth to hold on to. I too and in a weary season regarding a particular situation. I love what Psalm 63:8 says, "My soul clings to you, your right hand upholds me." Soul clinging, that's what I'm trying to do and resting in the grip of Jesus holding me up.

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    1. That's a great verse, Melody! I am clinging to the Lord so thankful that He'll never let me go! Blessings for a great day today!

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  8. Love Isaiah 40:31! Great post! Thanks for posting and thanks for linking up at InstaEncouragements!

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    1. There is so much wisdom in Isaiah! Thanks for stopping by and I'm so glad to have found InstaEncouragments! Blessings!

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  9. Isaiah 40:30 has gotten me through a host of hard times. Generally, I feel pretty confident and full of strength--but sometimes, I only get through with this promise!

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    1. It is such a great reminder that "even youths stumble and fall"... (especially now that I'm not a youth! lol) We can all get tired from the struggle. However, God's strength will pull us through! Thanks for stopping by, Anita!

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  10. It really is only from Him that I have the strength to do anything. Phil 4:13 is my life's verse. I know that wherever He calls me or whatever He asks me to do, He will be right there giving me strength, even when He seems distant. Blessings to you! Thanks for sharing this encouraging and inspiring post! I'm your neighbor at #Grace&Truth.

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    1. Hi Gayl! Yes, He keeps e going through difficult times. I am so thankful!

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  11. Yes, we can soar! I have done it on many occasions. I love it when people ask, "How did you do it?" The only explanation and answer is God. He truly give us what we need.

    I am sorry you are in a valley right now. I am praying for you at this moment.

    All three of the verses you quoted are ones I cling to in times of trouble.

    Beautiful post, thank you for sharing with Grace & Truth.

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    1. I so agree! I love it when the opportunity is given to share how I've found strength in difficult circumstances! When those times come I am encouraged knowing that I can be an encouragement to others! "He who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God." 2 Corinthians 1:4 Thanks for stopping by today!

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