The Weaker We Feel, The Harder We Lean
The Weaker We Feel, The Harder We Lean
I love quoting people who help my walk with the Lord—especially managing life in this wheelchair. Dr. J. I. Packer is a favorite. And believe me, as I quote him, I could make these words my own.
God uses chronic pain and weakness, along with other afflictions, as his chisel for sculpting our lives. Felt weakness deepens dependence on Christ for strength each day. The weaker we feel, the harder we lean. And the harder we lean, the stronger we grow spiritually, even while our bodies waste away. To live with your “thorn” uncomplainingly—that is, sweet, patient, and free in heart to love and help others, even though every day you feel weak—is true sanctification. It is true healing for the spirit. It is a supreme victory of grace. The healing of your sinful person thus goes forward, even though the healing of your mortal body does not. And the healing of persons is the name of the game so far as God is concerned.
The weaker we feel, the harder we lean on God. And the harder we lean, the stronger we grow. You couldn’t really describe that as “extraordinary stamina,” as some would say of those who suffer. Nor is it “a testimony to human courage,” as those same people would say.
Extraordinary stamina and human courage have nothing to do with it. It is human weakness God delights in using.
You might have a tough time living with your weakness today. You find it nearly impossible to be “sweet and patient and free in heart to love and help others.”
It isn’t nearly impossible, it IS impossible. You simply can’t manage it while you’re trying to find within yourself the stamina or courage to do so. You will fail every time.
Rather, felt weakness should deepen our dependence upon Christ for strength. Remember, the weaker you feel, the harder you must lean. Lean on Jesus. And leaning means trusting, obeying, spending concentrated time talking to Him and sharing your deepest needs.
When you lean that hard, you’ll find yourself growing stronger than you ever dreamed possible. As Dr. Packer puts it, that’s what true healing is all about.