For years I read this passage in Hebrews with feelings hard to describe other than to say they were foolish. My thoughts, that is. The problem was one of expectation, my own versus scripture. It expected me to emulate the heroes of faith; I expected that was impossible.
Because where would I ever find strength to rise above violence of fire or edge of sword? Me subdue kingdoms? Stop mouths of lions? One body-saw poised above my midsection and I might not only fail to refuse deliverance, I had a hunch I would be begging for mercy.
Wonderful for these larger than life people, but as for me and my house I was a coward.
How much better if I had been more transparent with God in those days! By inviting Him to show me a pivotal phrase in the thirty-fourth verse: out of weakness were made strong, and a phrase within the phrase, were made, I could have saved myself a load of grief. To be made, something has to have a Make-er. Light-bulb moment.
So far, including two I am about to type, I count nine I’s in this document, seven me, myself, and my’s. What an exemplary model of how easy it is to focus on puny self.
Lord keep me ever mindful apart from You I can never find strength and faith to meet my trials of faith.
John 15:5b "... for without Me, ye can do nothing." KJV
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Isn't it interesting that we look at the heroes of the Bible and forget that they were people just like us? I'm glad that God is there to help us just like he helped them. Thanks for sharing. :D
"By inviting Him to show me a pivotal phrase in the thirty-fourth verse: out of weakness were made strong"
It is awesome that God shooses to use us through our weaknesses!
Inspiring devotional, thanks for sharing!
Blessings,
Ben
