I’m working on getting back into running. After some years of trotting around and not really taking it seriously, I have a quiet goal of running a particular time in a long race this year.

So how do you get your speed back?

Intervals.

I’ve done them before, and forgotten both the pain an benefit. You run short, mega intense speed intervals. Like, “I think I just saw Jesus” intense.”

One workout a week of intervals will always increase your overall speed. Why?

Because there’s power on the other side of perseverance.

I was reminded of this on a treadmill in New Jersey this week, but even more so this morning when I read Luke 4.

Jesus went into the desert, full of the Holy Spirit, to be tempted. After making through the visit from the Tempter, He returned to begin His earthly ministry.

But He came back from the desert different. Luke, the master of small linguistic details, tells us Jesus came back

“full of the power of the Holy Spirit.”

He was pushed to the limit. He persevered. And He came back ready to rock and roll.

Want more power for living? Push yourself to the limit. Persevere. And come out stronger, faster, and ready to live with even more power for the future.