While on one of my runs this week, I started to feel tired and I honestly just wanted to stop a number of times. Fortunately I've learnt that when I begin to feel like this and my legs are protesting, the best thing I can do is focus on having a stronger arm action as I run.
You'd think it would be your legs that need to be focused on, but when I concentrate on having strong arms, my legs follow suit, and I start running stronger and get to where I am going quicker.
This got me thinking that life is much the same. We can all get tired and lose our resolve and confidence to stay the course. This is perhaps why God says, "strengthen the hands which hang down and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed." (Hebrews 12:12-13 NLT)
Moses in the bible demonstrated how strengthening our hands helps us win. Moses continually lifted his hands to heaven, and the battle being fought was turned in his favour.
The Israelites had the advantage as long as Moses held up the staff in his hand. But whenever he dropped his hand, symbolic of defeat the enemy gained the advantage. Even when Moses' arms became so tired he could no longer hold them up he was able to turn to Aaron and Hur, who quickly stood on either side of Moses and held his hands steady. Their combined efforts helped them to win the battle and see the victory. (Exodus 17:11)
One of the ways we are strengthened in weakness and are able to keep running our race well is by acknowledging God, who He is and our need for Him. Just as on my run today, if we focus on keeping our hearts and hands steady and uplifted as Moses did to heaven, our weaknesses will soon be replaced by strength and an ability to keep going.
Today if you are feeling weak, uncertain or just plain tired, I encourage you to do as Moses did.
He held up what he had; a staff in his hand and the battle was turned. As we hold our hands and hearts up to God, we will also be strengthened and see God turn circumstances in our favour too.
Plus, if you need help or encouragement, which we all do from time to time, do as Moses wisely did and lean on the people God has positioned in your life. Those who stand with you, encourage you to draw closer to Jesus and help you trust Him more. They're in your life for a purpose, and it's often to help steady your hands and heart so that you will stay the course and achieve everything God has planned for you.
"So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees, mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong." (Hebrews 12:12-13 TPT)
"Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice!" (Psalm 141:2 ESV)
"Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labour: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm." (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NIV)
Prayer: Lord, thank you for strengthening and enabling me to keep going whenever I grow tired. Please help me look to you for strength, and that I will appreciate the people you bring into my world to help, rather than try to achieve my dreams and purpose alone.In Jesus' name Amen.
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