November 6

"Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees."Make level paths for your feet," so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. (Hebrews 12:12-13 NIV)

The context for today's scripture is about the suffering as a part of God's character building. Paul tries to explain to the Hebrews that they should not despair when they face difficulties. Character building is for those who love the Lord, and the fruit of the training is peace and righteousness.

In the English Living Bible the wording says: "Take a new grip with your tired hands." Many of us have probably tried that with a screwdriver to unscrew a bolt that is stuck. We have used all our energy and the screw has not given one iota. So we take a new hold, and it’s as if we get new strength, and we defeat the stubborn screw. When we have been unsuccessful in overcoming life’s setbacks, we join with the Lord and take a new grip - a new approach - and we receive new strength to overcome difficulties.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for giving us new strength. Thank You too for having a goal with Your character building - peace and righteousness in my life.