Strength for the Weary

“It’s not like I want to die or anything, I just thought, ‘I would love to go to be with Jesus right now.” Reflecting on our strenuous afternoon yesterday, our daughter gave us a glimpse into her little heart.

After running a couple of errands after school, Madi began to complain that she couldn’t breathe. For a couple of days she would complain of weird aliments before she went to bed. Said that something was bothering her; sometimes felt like her chest felt heavy, but I really didn’t think it was something to worry about. Now, she was groaning, saying she felt like her chest was caving in. Her groans became wails. Passing our exit on 485; my car headed straight to the hospital.

After a chest x-ray and exam, our doctor said he thought it was a combination of pleurisy and a panic attack. Inflammation plus stress created this situation in our twelve year old’s life.

As she re-created her afternoon back to her dad, those were her words. “It’s not like I wanted to die or anything, but when I couldn’t breathe, I just thought ‘I would love to go to be with Jesus right now.” Madi’s life has been hard as of late and the thought of being permanently with Jesus was comforting.

I can relate to how she feels. Today when I picked up my Bible, I knew He was “reading my mail”. Hebrews 12:12 & 13 encouraged me, “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.” NLT

Are your hands tired? Are your knees feeling weak? Mine are. Even though I don’t feel like it, even though my mind says “I’m too tired”, even though things around me feel like they are falling apart today, I will take a new grip. It’s new because it is more desperate than yesterday’s grip. It is new because my knuckles today are whiter than yesterday. It is new because my spirit, which is HIS spirit,is choosing to triumph today in my grip on the only thing solid…Christ Jesus. I’m going to praise Him. I’m going to thank Him. I’m going to find rest in His wisdom and His care.

Are you tired and weak? One way for us to find strength during these seasons is to pray for others. Can I pray for you today?

Maybe you have found a way to find strength when your strength is drained. We’d love to hear your wisdom!

Lynn

4 Comments

  1. Anonymous says:

    The past year has been one that I have said I wouldn't want to repeat….however as I look back I realize that it's during this time, while I'm in the valley, that He's closest to me.

    When I'm bone tired, I cling to His word. I've found that when I least feel like is when I MOST need to read it. Whether it's in the form of a devotion or simply reading some verses He places on my heart, reading from the bible is how I gather strength. I ask Him to use what I have left and give me the strength when it feels like I can't do more.

  2. I have prayer requests, but God is prompting me to tell you that I'm praying for Madi.

    Also, received my January P31 magazine in the mail today. Loved seeing you on the cover. Can't wait to sit down and read it.

    Hugs,
    Joy

  3. Hi Lynn,

    I'm visiting your blog via Susan's over at Runner Mom! Hope you're doing well. It's been a long time.

    Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and Madi tonight. Please give her a hug and hello for me. 🙂

    Ginger 🙂

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