Wednesday

When Strong Ones Grow Weary

You know who you are.

You're the strong ones.

You’re the ones others turn to when they’re struggling. The ones who always have a verse ready to bolster your friends’ faith because you read your Bible every morning.

You’re the ones who carry a multitude of prayer requests close to your heart and pray for them in the the night watches. And the ones who remind others that God loves them and will meet their needs, even when the situation seems impossible.

You’re the people who set the example for others to follow. Your lives are a demonstration of what it looks like to rejoice in suffering, persevere through trials, and never stop believing.

 But even you grow weary sometimes. It’s hard being strong. 

When my daughter was young and her little legs would tire, she’d tug on my husband’s sleeve and whimper, “I’m tired, Daddy, will you carry me?”

Without missing a step, my husband would reach down and scoop her up in his big, strong arms. She’d wrap her tiny arms around his neck, lay her head upon his shoulder, and sigh. 

“I’ve got you, baby girl,” he’d whisper in her ear. “You take a little rest. Daddy will carry you.” 

If you’re usually strong, but you’re feeling weary right now, it’s OK.

Even strong ones grow tired.

It’s human to wonder, who will carry me while I carry all the others? 

The prophet Habakkuk, a strong man with strong faith, also felt the strain. He sought the Lord in his weariness. “I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me (Hab. 2:1).”

God’s answer to Habakkuk is God’s answer to you, too:

“The Sovereign Lord is (your) strength.”

When you grow weary, and the faith burdens you carry grow too heavy, tug on your Father’s sleeve. Cry out to him. “I’m tired, Daddy, carry me.”

Without missing a step, he’ll scoop you up in his big, strong arms, tuck your head under his chin, and whisper in your ear, “I’ve got you, baby girl. Take a little rest. Daddy will carry you.”

If you’re a strong one, I’m praying you will allow the Sovereign Lord to be your strength today.

What about you? Which verses bring you comfort when you’re feeling weak? I’d love it if you’d share them in the comment box today. And if you’re reading by email, click here to visit Hungry for God online, scroll down to the end of the post, and comment there.



If you live within driving distance of Brookville, PA, I’d love for you to join me for A Wardrobe for All Seasons—Dressing for Spiritual Success, a one-day women’s conference on Saturday, September 17. I’ll share 3 workshop sessions: “Stepping Out, How Our Footwear Impacts Our Faith,” “Clean Out That Closet,” and “A Hat for All Seasons—Serving God In Every Stage of Life.” 

Cost is $35, which includes lunch, a t-shirt, and a copy of my book, Hungry for God…Starving for Time. For more information and to register (discount registration deadline August 10), contact Kathy Shaffer at flokat1990@gmail.com.

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6 comments:

  1. Those are powerful words.."I'm tired daddy, carry me". What a sense of relief I felt when I said it. Just what I needed. God bless you!

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  2. Those are powerful words.."I'm tired daddy, carry me". What a sense of relief I felt when I said it. Just what I needed. God bless you!

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    1. I know, Laura, just to climb up in his arms and let him carry us for a while--priceless. God bless you, friend.

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  3. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart. That's my daily prayer.

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    1. Amen, Tracey. That is our only hope. But what a hope!

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  4. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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