There’s a phenomenon known in the endurance world as “hitting the wall.” There are many explanations as to why this strange occurrence happens and despite the lack of knowing “why” exactly, it is real as I know from experience. I was running along in a marathon (26.2-mile race) and along about mile 23, I stopped running. It was like I was out of gas – physically and mentally. I had no explanation as I thought I was feeling fine and looking forward to a personal best. I tried to stretch, thinking my muscles had just tightened up, but that didn’t help. I walked to the next water station and got a good supply of water, but I wasn’t really dehydrated. Then – when I ate a gel (basically sugar in a small packet that comes out like cake frosting), I perked up and walked with a little more vigor, so I ate another gel and that was the trick. I was able to run to the finish and was grateful that I was able to get back in the race despite missing my personal best time.
Evidently, I was out of fuel physically and, try as I might to talk myself back into running, I was as mentally exhausted as I was physically. That was a great lesson for future endurance events: always have a backup supply of emergency fuel and always keep up with hydration and nutrition through the race. The medical director of the Ironman World Championship tells the athletes at the event every year to make sure they have a plan to eat and drink through the race and to make sure they follow that plan or as he says, “you will see me early when you are taken from the course to the medical tent.” Yikes!
I said all that to bring up the fact that we all “hit the wall” in our walk with and service to God. We seem to go along fine when BOOM, we feel cold, indifferent, and seem to have run out of fuel. The problem when that happens is our susceptibility to the attacks of the evil one and our giving into the temptations from the world and the flesh.
Luke 22:31–35 (ESV) — 31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, 32 but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” 33 Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” 34 Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.” 35 And he said to them, “When I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.”
First note: Although Jesus forewarned Peter that he would “hit the wall,” Peter simply denied it. Every person who decides they are going to run a marathon or participate in any endurance race will hear about the reality of “hitting the wall” but most people never believe that it will happen to them. Likewise, Christians read about Peter’s experience, and never figure that will happen to them. Oh, how wrong that attitude proves to be.
1 Corinthians 10:12 (ESV) — 12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.
That is clear advice to be taken to heart. Therefore, as we look at Jesus’ warning to Peter and his subsequent proud statement, we need to realize the likewise warning to each of us.
Back to Peter’s experience. When Jesus took His disciples to the Garden of Gethsemane, he told the disciples to wait and then he went a little further into the garden taking with Him Peter, James, and John. Then He gave specific instructions to them.
Matthew 26:38–41 (ESV) — 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” 39 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” 40 And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? 41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
It looks simple enough, but remember Peter doesn’t think he would ever succumb to “hitting the wall” but he did. Not only Peter, but James and John also “hit the wall” in their service to the Lord Jesus Christ. Nevertheless, Jesus entrusted them still to pick up and get back in the race as in the instructions to watch and pray.
Matthew 26:42–43 (ESV) — 42 Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” 43 And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy.
Once again, they hit the wall by neglecting the basic request to watch and pray.
Matthew 26:44–45 (ESV) — 44 So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again. 45 Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Sleep and take your rest later on. See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.
They hit the wall and although their stated desire was to finish well and fulfill all that the Lord Jesus Christ told them to do, they found themselves stopped along the road in the race, unable to do much of anything.
What can you do when you hit the wall?
Micah 7:8 (ESV) — 8 Rejoice not over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall rise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me.
Proverbs 24:16 (ESV) — 16 for the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.
You may be stopped, but don’t dwell on it. Recognize the fact that when you least expected it, you hit the wall. As I found in my marathon experience, nutrition and hydration are of utmost importance. Interesting when you analyze Peter’s Gethsemane experience that he neglected the basics of all spiritual nutrition in sleeping when he should have been praying. You may not feel like it but go back to some of the basic scriptures you know and meditate upon God’s word. Likewise, you may not feel like praying, but first express your condition to God reminding yourself that He cares for you so you can cast all your care upon Him. Then go to a list of things for which you are grateful and begin by expressing gratitude to God. As I experienced in the marathon, getting back in the race was not instantaneous, but my “hitting the wall” was overcome. And you can also overcome it as you apply the effort of self-discipline.
1 Peter 5:6–7 (ESV) — 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
1 Corinthians 9:27 (ESV) — 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
Hitting the wall is not a pleasant experience, but we all experience it. Thankfully, God uses it to drive us back to the basics. He gives us grace to get back in the race, we have renewed confidence in Him and in our dependency upon Him, rather than that confidence being in ourselves.
Godspeed,
Bob Brubaker, Pastor
Christ Community Presbyterian Church
Clearwater, FL
