So, with confidence and hope in this message,
strengthen those with feeble hands, shore up the weak-kneed and weary. Hebrews 12:12 (Voice)
Despite the adult-onset Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD), my late husband, Bill, had strong legs. He had worked diligently as a young man to strengthen them. The disease began to take its toll on his body and first affected his core. He would often say, “At least my legs are still strong.”
I will always remember the night I sat by the side of his bed and had to lift his legs on up to the bed because he no longer had the strength to do so. As I lay in bed that night, I wept to think of the wasting away of something that brought confidence to him. Yet, through it all, he maintained a positive faith-filled approach to life.
In the last few months of his life he had to use a ventilator full-time in order to breathe. He chose to use a C-Pap mask with the ventilator and so was unable to speak. Each morning he would point to his legs. I knew what he meant. He wanted me to pray for the healing and strength of his legs. I would pray and then he would somehow manage to get out of bed and take faltering steps with the walker. We used a scooter to get him to his lift chair in the living room. And he made it – every single day.
We continued forward with hope and confidence. In his weakness, we saw miracles every day.
Our confidence in the Lord grew and our hope knew no bounds.
Point out potential strengths
We often are very aware of the weaknesses of those we love. Instead of a direct attack, stop to consider what needs to be strengthened. Pray about it. Speak to the areas where God is working.
Paint a picture of hope
Fear torments us when we see the shortcomings of others. Instead of focusing on their weakness recognize that God is working to bring an upgrade in those very areas. Also, if you are super irritated, it is probably an area where God needss to work in your life.
Show kindness and grace
Demonstrate the same grace you would like to receive. Come along side that person with encouragement. They may just need a nap so give them a chance to rest when they are weary.
Prayer
Thank You, Lord, for the honor and privilege of coming alongside those we love with hope and strength. We joyfully hold up their tired arms and help them up when they fall down. Thank you for the strength that comes from you as we life in peace no matter what is happening. We ask for your wisdom in taking in any weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and afflictions for your sake. Give us the wisdom to recognize that when we are our weakest, You makes us strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10 (Voice) In Jesus’ name. Amen.
28 Ways to Honor and Love Series
For more inspiration on how to honor and love those closest to you during this season of love click here.
Author, speaker, corporate trainer, ordained minister and Hope Catalyst, Karen Sebastian enjoys sharing her rich life experiences with others – engaging them in adventurous discoveries of the beauty of hope in a dark, cloudy world. Her books will inspire you to embrace hope no matter what you are going through.
