“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said. (2 Chronicles 32:7-8, NIV)
I have weak arms. When my kids were small, and I carried around toddlers and babies and diaper bags, my arms were more toned. But the last few years…let’s just say, the backs of my arms keep waving hello, even when my hand is done.
Triceps of jello.
A few months ago, a friend gave me Jillian Michaels’ exercise DVD, “30 Day Shred”. Ms. Michaels’ goal, I think, is to kill me. Or at least to make me wish for death. I’ve worked up to Level 3 now, but I still struggle to do push-ups. With each attempt, my arms tremble and shake and ache and ask me what on earth they’ve ever done to me to deserve such punishment.
My arms of flesh? Not too strong. Not strong at all.
“But with us is the Lord our God,” Hezekiah said. What a great phrase to repeat to myself in so many of life’s challenges! Arms of flesh—even the toned arms of Jillian Michaels herself—aren’t enough. I need a “greater power”. Lord, how desperately I need You “to help me and to fight my battles.” I rest in Your strong arms, God. Amen.
amystorms
Sixty-six books in a year 