Pushing Too Hard

I’ve never been known for my high energy level. Compared to Energizer Bunny, Sissy, I’m standing still. That woman never slows down. Makes me tired just watching her. But, when I’m injured or sick, I put my efforts into over-drive. I don’t like being dependent. I try to push through. Soldier on. Keep going. Stiff upper lip, and all that.

In the past, I’ve made record-time recoveries from surgeries, and paid the price for that stupidity. During the rehab with my ORIF hip surgery, I was in danger of doing the same thing. Pushing too hard, and paying the unnecessary price for such stubbornness.

People who know about such things, instructed me to slow down. Rest more. Stop trying to do too much.

But that’s not wired into my DNA. Not when recovery is concerned. I don’t like feeling weak.

My hesitancy to lean on others finds its way into my relationship with God. It’s the same thing. I’m hesitant to lean on Him. I have this warped idea that I’m fine. Okay. Can muddle through on my own. WRONG!

There have been several times in my life where God has had to knock me to the ground to get my attention. November 30, 2013, being a very literal example.

I think God knocks our feet out from under us to remind us who’s in charge, in case we get too close to forgetting. I think He does it to remind us how fragile life is, in case we start to waste the days He has given us.

I think God knocks us to the ground to remind us how important the people around us are, in case we start to take them for granted. And I definitely believe God knocks us down, to show us how weak we truly are. That apart from Him and His power, love, mercy and grace, we can do nothing.

Ever been there, done that?

In my office, I have sticky notes all over the place. One note I wrote several years ago says, LORD, help me be strong enough to be weak. Don’t remember exactly what prompted me to have that thought, but it’s one worth remembering. We need the strength to give up our false belief we can do it on our own. We need the strength to admit we’re weak. That we need God’s help. His strength. His power.

Perhaps you’re in the same place. The good news is, we don’t have to pretend to be so strong. We don’t have to manage on our own.

There is someone who is waiting to carry our load. Help us manage. Help us navigate the craziness of this world. We’ve just got to be strong enough to admit our weakness, and accept his perfect strength.

How awesome is God as he comes from his sanctuary—the God of Israel! He gives strength and power to his people.  Praise God! Psalm 68:35

I wish you well.

Sandy

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