Читать книгу Aging Faithfully - Missy Buchanan - Страница 11

Read Isaiah 40:30-31.

Your arms are getting tired. After decades of toting groceries and the week’s garbage, now there are days when it’s all you can do to summon the energy to open a jug of milk. Sometimes your hands tremble as if they have a mind of their own. You make yourself exercise each morning, honoring the biblical mandate to care for your body. Though exercise undoubtedly is beneficial, you realize your physical strength will never be what it once was.

Over the course of your long life, you have sometimes felt it was up to you to carry the burdens of the world. You struggled to push through pressured days on your own power. At those moments you forgot just how much you needed God. Now you admit you are tired of trying to be strong.

The truth is, God never tires. God’s arms are always extended to you. God will never grow weary of lifting you up and carrying you through hard times.

Though your body grows weaker as more years pass, your faith can grow stronger. It is a truth contrary to the ways of the world. Real strength comes when you confess your weakness and lean on God.

Prayer

Almighty God, forgive me for trying to be strong on my own. I used to think that it was up to me to carry the weight of . . .

Please increase my faith as I lean on your strength. Encourage me to avoid a sedentary lifestyle as I am able. Today I will exercise and move forward with your help. Amen.

Suggestion

If you are not already exercising, begin today by walking and doing some strength-building exercises. Just squeezing a ball builds arm and hand muscles. Don’t neglect to exercise your spiritual muscles too. Memorize Isaiah 40:31.