Weak Knees

Yesterday I had a physio appointment as I have had problems with my left knee for years:  I can't kneel down without it dislocating and getting stuck.  

The physio tested the strength of my muscles in each leg and I was astonished by the difference.  Whilst I could balance comfortably on my right leg, I wobbled like a weeble when I tried the same on my left leg.  When she created resistance for my right leg, I hardly noticed, but when she did the same for my left leg, I could barely move it.

She has given me a range of exercises to try and strengthen the muscles in my left leg, so that my knee is more likely to stay in place.  I gave them a go this morning and although they are quite simple lifts and stretches, I watched as my leg shuddered and trembled in front of me with the effort. 

I am meant to complete 10 repetitions of each exercise every day.  I had to force myself to do 5 because it was so painful.

I had no idea my left leg was so weak.

I was reminded, ironically, of this verse in Hebrews 12 -

"Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees."

[Hebrews 12:12 NIV]

It's part of a wider encouragement to us to persevere and to endure discipline so that what is weak and feeble may be strengthened.  The concept of training and discipline applies both physically and spiritually.  We don't get fit or strong without putting in the work.

"For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness.  No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterwards there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.  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."

[Hebrew 12:10-13 NLT]

'Training' and strengthening the muscles in my left leg is agonising.  But my leg will only get stronger (and, therefore, my knee will only be less likely to dislocate), if I persevere.  I am hopeful that in a couple of weeks I will be able to make it to 10 repetitions without feeling that my leg is on fire.

It is hard work, but I am sure it will be worth it. 

In the same way, accepting God's 'training' and discipline in our lives is hard and humbling, but it is worth it.  It draws us closer to Him.  It deepens our relationship with Him.  It makes us more like Him. 

Crowds

In my opinion, there are good crowds and bad crowds. Bad crowds include: Christmas shoppers, the rowdy crowd making their way home past my flat and singing loudly at 3am and, most annoying of all, the slow-walking, pavement-blocking crowd.

But good crowds can be supportive and collaborative and encouraging. They can work together to achieve far more than individuals can; they can support and encourage each other; they can be a powerful force for good.

One of the most amazing things about watching the Olympics this week has been the reaction and support of the crowds, especially the crowd supporting the home team. The sheer volume of the cheering and shouting every time someone from team GB has been competing has been immense.

So many athletes have commented on the support of the crowds too and the effect that is has had on them. When the athletes have been nervous or overwhelmed, the crowd has encouraged them; when they haven't done as well as they had hoped, it has helped them to pick themselves up; when they have grown tired and weary, it has motivated them to keep going.

In the same way, the Bible tells us that we have a huge crowd of witnesses, spurring us on and encouraging us to persevere in our walk with God. A crowd of witnesses who have gone before us and who are on our side.

Yesterday, I wrote about the Holy Spirit being on our side and being our coach. We also have a crowd supporting us - other Christians who have gone before us and who can give us advice and encouragement, or those who walk alongside us and cheer us on.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us."

[Hebrews 12:1 NLT]

Pete Greig writes in his poem "The Vision" -

"They (Christians) don't need fame from names. Instead they grin quietly upwards and hear the crowds chanting again and again: "COME ON!"

We weren't meant to run this race alone. It's a team sport. Let's cheer each other on and listen out for the roaring support of others.

Abandoned

Ah, the English Language, a complex and confusing mix of words with varied and interesting origins.

Take the word cleave for example: it can mean both to split or sever or separate, and to stick together or be strongly attached.  Two completely opposite meanings wrapped up into the same word.

It's the same with the word abandon.

On the one hand, it means to desert or leave someone or something with no intention of returning.

To be abandoned is passive.  It is something that happens to us.  To be abandoned and isolated is our biggest fear, because we were made for attachment and connection and relationship.

John Townsend says,

"Attachment, or bondedness, is our deepest need.  This is because it is also the deepest part of the character of God.  The Bible goes so far as to identify the very nature of God with love: 'God is love' (1 John 4:8) ... Just as connectedness is our most basic need, isolation is our most injurious state.  The most severe punishment in prisons throughout history has always been solitary confinement ... Whatever is cut off tends towards deterioration."

To be abandoned is devastating.

On the other hand, to abandon yourself means to intentionally and willingly give yourself over to something, to surrender to it. It is active, it is a choice.  It means to show a complete lack of inhibition or restraint.

"Abandon" literally translates from the Old French as "a-" - without + "bandon" - control.  Originally, it meant to 'bring under control', later to  'give in to the control of' or to 'surrender to' someone/something.

We can give up our control and surrender to something/someone when we know it's safe.  We can surrender to God when we understand that He is safe.

        "I will never fail you.
         I will never abandon you."
         [Hebrews 13:5 NLT]

"Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

[Deuteronomy 31:8 NLT]

We can abandon ourselves to God, because He won't abandon us.  Ever.