Have you ever watched a marathon, either in person or on television, where a runner is so physically exhausted that they can barely take another step towards the finish line? Then other runners step in and support their running mate by supporting him or her under both arms and helping them finish the race? It’s a heartwarming sight.
Have you ever felt that tired from the events in your life, and you feel as though you do not have the strength to take another step, let alone achieve your goal? Perhaps even now as you read these words, you are facing challenges that are weighing you down to the point of mental and physical burnout. Wouldn’t it be great to have someone on either side of you all the time, to uphold you when your legs are giving out?
Well, you do, and so do I!
Did you know that Jesus Christ promises to uphold us with his righteous right hand when we can’t take another step forward? It’s true, my friend, and whenever I’m out for the count, I personally take comfort in that Biblical truth, and I would like to encourage you to do the same.
“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.” (Psalms 37:23, 24 NIV)
“Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; your right hand upholds me.” (Psalms 63:7, 8 NIV)
Out of curiosity, I decided to look up the word ‘uphold’ in the dictionary. Here’s the official Merriam-Webster meaning. ‘To give support to; to support against an opponent; to keep elevated; to lift up.’
When I need support, I call out to Jesus, not only to keep me elevated but also to lift me up against the devil, who loves to try and devour my thoughts and run off with my peace. Have you ever been there? Here’s another Bible verse that empowers me to get up off my knees and move forward—to be strong and courageous in my faith.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10 NIV)
On the wall of my home is a framed cross-stitch picture that I made years ago (yes, my wife taught me to cross-stitch). It highlights a famous Christian poem called Footprints in the Sand. It also serves to remind me that God is always there to carry me through my trials and uphold me when I need it the most. He is also there for you, and all that is required is for your heart to belief and trust.
Here is the last bit of that poem:
The Lord replied, “My precious child, I love you, and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you saw only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.”
Allow God to uphold you when you can’t do it yourself. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Paul Smyth
