It would be great if every follower of Jesus Christ continued to grow forward in our faith every day from the first time we accepted Jesus to our death or his return, whichever comes first.

The truth is that there are times when the fire turns to a spark and our walk comes to a standstill or maybe even a step backward. It’s during these times that we need a fresh wind to sweep over us; a fresh fire to ignite us.

I think this is at least part of the idea that Isaiah was referring to in chapter 40, verses 30-31 where he says, "Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall, 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."

One of the main reasons why we may slow down is that we get tired and weary, which may lead to our stumbling or falling. The key to renewal is not something we can come up with or figure out on our own, but rather putting our hope in the Lord.

Some translations have "those that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength."

Waiting or putting our hope in the Lord signifies times of prayer. We go before him, who is the source of the strength we so desperately need.

There is an old song that I used to sing that spoke about the reality of needing renewal; the words were a cry from the heart. It went like this, "Bring back the new again, I want to see you again. Bring back the way it was when we began. How did I miss the road, when did I lose the glow. Where did the wonder go, bring back the new again."

I personally have sensed a need for renewal and I am spending more time in prayer. Our church is sensing it as well, so we are taking a fresh look at our prayer ministry and making it a priority. Our new teaching series starting this Sunday will be on prayer.

I think another key in dealing with renewal is the recognition that we need it. Allow the Lord to search your heart; have you become indifferent toward the things of God, have you grown cold in your relationship with God?

The good news is that there is hope so that we can soar like eagles, run and not get weary, and walk and not faint.