Where Does Our Strength Come From … and When?, November 13
Inside the Cancer Journey: Daily Reflections for Those Coping with Cancer
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By Dan Held
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak (Isaiah 40:29 NIV).
Has there ever been a time in life where, upon looking back, you found yourself to be stronger than you previously realized? Maybe something you were able to accomplish which, beforehand, you had some real doubts about? Sometimes we may be surprised to find out how much strength God gives us … right when we have need of it.
In her book, The Hiding Place: The Triumphant True Story of Corrie Ten Boom,1 Corrie shares about a time when she tearfully faced the possibility of her daddy’s death in the not-so-distant future. In her own words:
Father sat down on the edge of the narrow bed. "Corrie," he began gently, "when you and I go to Amsterdam—when do I give you your ticket?"
I sniffed a few times, considering this.
"Why, just before we get on the train."
"Exactly. And our wise Father in heaven knows when we're going to need things, too. Don't run out ahead of Him, Corrie. When the time comes that some of us will have to die, you will look into your heart and find the strength you need—just in time.”
Do we always feel strong? Are we always strong? Cancer has a way of draining both cancer patients and their loved ones of their strength. If it’s not the fatigue draining you physically, it’s the waiting draining you emotionally and the frustration draining you mentally. None of us living with cancer or otherwise will answer such questions in the affirmative. Nor did the Apostle Paul.
Strength is that quality which comes about only in times of weakness. Not before. And so it was that Paul wrote these words to the Christians of Corinth: “Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10 WEB).
It’s a bit like God serving up dessert after our meal instead of before. God always saves the best till last! And the best strength we receive, God’s strength, comes to us whenever we need it most—just in time.
Pray: Father God, we confess that we want to avoid our own weakness instead of simply conquering it with the power of Your strength in due time. Remind us always that we are more than conquerors through Christ who loved us, for it is in His name that we pray. Amen.
Your Turn: Imagine setting your alarm clock when you are feeling especially tired. Now imagine hearing it go off after you are fully rested. Remember you are strongest after being alarmed, not before.
1. Corrie Ten Boom, John L. Sherrill, and Elizabeth Sherrill, The Hiding Place: The Triumphant True Story of Corrie Ten Boom (New York: Bantam, 1974).
Dan Held, Cancer Caregiver
Dan is a cancer caregiver who lives with his wife (Sue) of 55 years in Dayton, Ohio, where Sue has been free from breast cancer and colon cancer for two years! Dan is an ordained pastor and a licensed therapist with a heart for families touched by cancer at any stage. He is dedicated to promoting the message of more love and less fear in all aspects of his ministry and life. Check out his blog at www.danielkheld.com.
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