Personal Renewal & Spiritual Discipline

Scripture: Isaiah 40:31
Influence: Oswald Chambers

"But they who wait for 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 (ESV)

The Power of Renewal

We live in a world that constantly demands more from us—more productivity, more efficiency, and more results. As leaders, especially in ministry, it’s easy to find ourselves running on empty, pushing through fatigue, and burning out without realizing it. But God has not called us to lead from a place of depletion. Instead, He invites us into a rhythm of personal renewal and spiritual discipline, where our strength is not our own but His.

Isaiah 40:31 is a beautiful promise to all leaders. It reminds us that waiting on the Lord is key to finding strength that lasts. The imagery of mounting up with wings like eagles paints a picture of divine empowerment. When we prioritize personal renewal, we rise above the daily grind, empowered by God to soar.

But what does it mean to "wait on the Lord"? It’s more than just passive patience. It’s an intentional act of dependence on God, seeking His presence, and aligning our hearts with His will. As Oswald Chambers, the influential Christian leader and author of My Utmost for His Highest, often emphasized, spiritual discipline is not about doing more but about being more in tune with God.

Oswald Chambers: A Life of Spiritual Discipline

Oswald Chambers, though he lived over a century ago, remains one of the most respected voices on the subject of spiritual discipline and personal renewal. He was a man deeply committed to living out the principles of God’s Word, and his life was marked by an unwavering trust in God’s provision.

Chambers' most famous work, My Utmost for His Highest, is a devotional that urges believers to give their very best to God every day. But he also understood the need for rest and renewal. He knew that leadership, especially Christian leadership, is not sustainable unless it’s rooted in a deep, ongoing relationship with Jesus.

In one of his writings, Chambers noted, “We have to pray with our eyes on God, not on the difficulties.” This statement reflects the essence of personal renewal. It is a shift from focusing on our limitations to focusing on God’s limitless power. When we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, we tap into a strength far greater than our own.

The Need for Spiritual Discipline

For many leaders, the greatest challenge is not the external demands of leadership but the internal struggle to maintain spiritual discipline. We can easily become so focused on serving others that we neglect our own spiritual health. But as leaders, we cannot pour out if we are not first filled up.

Spiritual discipline is the intentional practice of connecting with God through prayer, Scripture reading, worship, and solitude. These practices are not just optional add-ons for leaders; they are the foundation of effective ministry.

• Prayer: Regular, deep communication with God is essential for spiritual vitality. It’s where we lay down our burdens and listen for His guidance.

• Scripture Reading: The Word of God renews our minds and realigns our priorities with His.

• Worship: Worship reminds us of God’s greatness and reorients our hearts toward His glory.

• Solitude: Time alone with God helps us disconnect from distractions and reconnect with His voice.

Oswald Chambers modeled these disciplines in his own life, often retreating for quiet time with God, even in the midst of busy ministry seasons. He knew that without spiritual discipline, personal renewal is impossible.

Renewal for Leadership

As Christian leaders, we are called to lead from a place of strength, but not our own strength. Isaiah 40:31 promises that those who wait on the Lord will find their strength renewed. This renewal is not a one-time event but an ongoing process that comes through a life of spiritual discipline.

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel like we don’t have time for spiritual renewal. But in reality, we don’t have time not to prioritize it. Without regular renewal, we will run out of energy, creativity, and passion. But when we wait on the Lord—when we practice the disciplines of prayer, Scripture, worship, and solitude—we find a strength that surpasses human limits. We can run and not grow weary. We can walk and not faint.

Oswald Chambers put it this way: “The greatest word of Jesus to His disciples is abandon.” Abandon the frantic pace of leadership in exchange for time in God’s presence. Abandon your own efforts in favor of His strength. Abandon self-reliance for a renewed spirit through Him.

Practical Steps for Personal Renewal

If you’re feeling weary in your leadership, here are a few practical steps you can take to experience personal renewal:

1. Set Aside Time for Solitude – Start with small, intentional blocks of time where you can be alone with God, free from distractions.

2. Develop a Daily Prayer Routine – Commit to a specific time each day for focused prayer. Speak to God, but also leave room to listen.

3. Meditate on Scripture – Rather than rushing through Bible readings, take time to meditate on a single passage, like Isaiah 40:31, and ask God to speak to you through it.

4. Engage in Worship – Make worship a daily habit. This could be through music, thanksgiving, or simply reflecting on God’s goodness.

5. Surround Yourself with Support – Find a spiritual mentor or a small group where you can share your journey and hold each other accountable in your disciplines.

Conclusion

Personal renewal and spiritual discipline are not just for our own benefit—they are for the sake of those we lead. When we are spiritually renewed, we can lead with clarity, wisdom, and grace. When we wait on the Lord, He lifts us up and empowers us to lead with strength that comes from Him alone.

Remember Oswald Chambers' words: “We have to get used to living a life of reliance upon God.” Let that be your goal as a leader—to rely on Him daily, to seek renewal in His presence, and to lead others from a place of spiritual health.

So, this week, take a moment to pause. Wait on the Lord. He will renew your strength, and you will rise with the endurance and grace to continue the journey ahead.