Strengthen Your Feeble Knees
I am constantly reading through the Bible, but I like to use a different Bible version each time I read. I cycle back around to some of the same ones, but breaking it up helps to notice verses that are easy to read over when I have them memorized. The latest verse that jumped out at me is Hebrews 12:12-13. The New King James reads as follows:
Therefore 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.
I’ve always read this to refer to others, that it is my job to help encourage those who are downtrodden. Reading the same verses in the NLT the other day gave these verses a whole new meaning:
So take a new grip with your tired hands and stand firm on your shaky legs. Mark out a straight path for your feet. Then those who follow you, though they are weak and lame, will not stumble and fall but will become strong.
How many people feel ill-equipped to help others because they are struggling themselves? I get there easily. That shouldn’t stop us from reaching out to others, however. I think it’s important for weaker Christians to realize that everyone struggles. I have looked at others at times and wanted to be like them because they seem so strong in their faith, and some do better than others at holding on to strength, but we don’t see the fears and insecurities that may lie underneath the surface. If you, like me, find yourself struggling more than you think you should after walking with God for so many years, don’t give up. Strengthen your tired hands and your shaky legs and keep trudging the straight and narrow path so that others can find it and easily follow. Who knows? Maybe someone will catch up to you and help to carry you a while as you catch your breath. Regardless, we owe it to those following us to find us faithful so they do not become weary and lose heart.
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