PIVOT!

I am decidedly NOT Mike the Mover! There have been times throughout our marriage when my husband has requested some help moving an awkward piece of furniture. He never asks without careful thought, since he knows the boundaries of my “brawn” and stamina. There are moments we might as well be the Friends gang stuffing a sofa up a stairwell (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n67RYI_0sc0 ).

In all seriousness, I don’t mind lending a helping hand now and then. If I am honest, the most troublesome aspect of it is being reminded that physically I am not very strong. (Please try to stifle your scoffs at the understatement!) Being reminded of weakness makes me feel vulnerable, inadequate and uncomfortable. In Jesus Calling *, Sarah Young states that many of us have received the “humble gift of frailty”. I don’t know about you, but frailty does not seem like a welcome present at all!

Physical strength aside, I am aware of my shortcomings in other areas too. Sometimes my balance is out of whack and I trip up in my responsibilities. In other circumstances, I can be tough for a short period of time, but lack the stamina required to persevere over time. Some situations are just agonizingly difficult to shoulder, even for a moment. The truth is I often need to set the load down. I am forced to accept my failings, my taunting limitations.

But then…. I hear Isaiah 40:28-31

28 Do you not know?

Have you not heard?

The Lord is the everlasting God,

the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He will not grow tired or weary,

and his understanding no one can fathom.

29 He gives strength to the weary

and increases the power of the weak.

30 Even youths grow tired and weary,

and young men stumble and fall;

31 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.

Of course! I know what to do! I know who to call! Perhaps frailty IS a gift, for it points me back to God. My own history reminds me that faith deepens when I rely on Him, when I simply cannot carry the burden alone and choose to lean into His strength. I give thanks for the call to pivot my perspective on weakness and embrace all He offers.

*Sarah Young has written a number of books, including Jesus Calling, Jesus Always and Jesus Lives. I know several people, who, like me, have used Jesus Calling as a resource for daily reading and prayer. You can get more information on her website https://www.jesuscalling.com/author/.