Distance runners talk about a...
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Object:
Distance runners talk about a "second wind." The experience is of being out of breath and
strength and then feeling breath and strength return, enabling the runner to continue with
higher efficiency. Colloquially "second wind" describes any transition from exhaustion to
new strength.
Isaiah is exhausted. "I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity." The prophet is pained at the discrepancy between his effort for God and the lack of results. He hasn't lost faith, he's just tired.
When success isn't popping up like a rabbit from a magician's hat, God grants the spiritual second wind. God confirms and expands the prophet's call: "It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the survivors of Israel; I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth."
Isaiah is exhausted. "I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity." The prophet is pained at the discrepancy between his effort for God and the lack of results. He hasn't lost faith, he's just tired.
When success isn't popping up like a rabbit from a magician's hat, God grants the spiritual second wind. God confirms and expands the prophet's call: "It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the survivors of Israel; I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth."
