Reflection: When Our Strength Runs Out, God’s Grace Steps In

Reflection: When Our Strength Runs Out, God’s Grace Steps In

I’ve had the privilege to spend a couple of weeks in Yorkshire and spent some time walking in the North Yorkshire Moors National Park. Part of the walking was a climb up the White Horse—a chalk sculpture etched into the high hills of the moors. The walk up to the White Horse isn’t easy. As I reached the end of the walk, the muscles in my legs were burning, my lungs were gasping for air, and my energy reserves depleted. With every step, I was tempted to stop, to give in to the exhaustion, to admit that I just couldn’t go any further. And yet, in that very moment, when all my strength had run out, something happened: a surge of energy, a second wind. I found within myself a strength I didn’t know was there, a strength that carried me to the top and the awesome views of North Yorkshire.

Life often feels like that walk, doesn’t it? We press on through challenges, burdens, and trials. We wake up each day with a to-do list that seems never-ending, with worries that weigh heavily on our hearts. And just when we think we’ve reached the end of our endurance, when we feel we can’t take another step, we’re reminded of a powerful truth: when our strength runs out, God’s strength kicks in.

This is what Annie Johnson Flint captured so beautifully in her hymn. Her words remind us that God’s grace is not a one-time gift, but a continual outpouring. “He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater; He sendeth more strength as our labours increase.” These aren’t just lyrics—they’re a promise from God to us.

Perhaps today, you feel like you’ve reached your limit. Maybe your burdens have grown heavier than you ever imagined they could. Your strength, both physical and emotional, feels like it’s been drained dry. But take heart in this: God’s love has no limits, God’s grace has no measure, and God’s power knows no boundaries.

When we come to the end of ourselves, that’s where God’s work begins. We may think we’ve exhausted every resource, but God’s storehouses are full. “When we reach the end of our hoarded resources, our Father’s full giving is only begun.” In our weakness, God’s strength is made perfect.

So, what do we do when we feel like we can’t go on? We turn to the One who never tires, who never grows weary. We lean into God’s infinite riches in Jesus. We trust that, even when we’ve given all we have, God gives and gives and gives again.

This is the essence of the Gospel—the good news that God’s grace is sufficient for us, that God’s power is made perfect in our weakness. We don’t have to carry our burdens alone. We don’t have to rely on our own strength, which will always fall short. Instead, we are invited to place our trust in the One who loves us without limit, who gives grace without measure, and who strengthens us without end.

As you go through your day, your week, your life, remember this: You may grow weary, but God never will. You may reach your limit, but God’s grace is limitless. You may feel like giving up, but God will never give up on you. In every trial, in every hardship, in every moment of weakness, God is there, ready to pour out God’s grace, to multiply God’s peace, and to renew your strength. All you need to do is ask, trust, and rest in God.

God’s love, grace, and power are not just concepts to believe in—they are realities to live by. So, when the road gets rough and your strength runs dry, remember: God’s grace is only just beginning. Trust God, lean on God, and watch as God gives and gives and gives again.