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.”
We learned that even in his physical weakness, our hope allowed us to lift up our tired hands to pray and worship. This strengthened us to keep walking forward seeking the healing we knew we would find.
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 he 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
The physical issues are much easier to work with than the unseen problems. When someone hurts you, you may want to get even with them or return the unkindness. We often are keenly aware of the weaknesses of those closest to us. We can become irritated and impatient when they do not see things our way. Instead of a direct attack, stop to consider what needs to be strengthened.
Active Expressions of Love and Honor:
- Pray about the situation before you speak to them.
- Lovingly confront the specific areas where you see places to improve.
Paint a picture of hope
The greatest antidote to weaknesses is hope because hope says that no matter where you are right now, God can make the best omelette with what you give Him. It may seem like it’s all coming apart at the seams and unraveling before your eyes. Hope says that the end result will be better than if it had not happened.
Fear torments you when you feel that others would reject you if they knew your struggles. A background of hope allows us to know that those closest to us love us even when they see shortcomings. God is working to bring upgrade in these very areas. Also, if you are super irritated, it is probably an area where God needs to work in your own life. I wrote more about this topic on day three of this writing challenge – Acknowledge and Embrace Strengths.
Active Expressions of Love and Honor:
- Remember the victories and testimonies of breakthroughs.
- Inspire hope by sharing your own story of struggles and victories won.
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 live 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.
Click here to read the rest of the #Write28Days series.
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. As a caregiver and widow she took brave steps forward to fulfill God’s calling on her life. She has now remarried and enjoys her new hubby and spending time with their children and grandchildren. To increase hope and improve relationships with yourself and those that you love, check out her Facebook page – The Power of Hope.
Amen! Thank you for sharing this beautiful story and testimony. I am carrying this encouragement with me today!
Desiree,
Thank you so much for your comment. It means so much to me that others can be encouraged by what the Lord has done in our lives. Hope is powerful!
Karen