Firming Feeble Knees

"Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees"
Isaiah 35:3

One of my favorite things to do that I get to enjoy 2 or 3 times a year is a long mountain hike. It's a hobby many don't understand. Oh they get the "beautiful nature" thing and the attraction of incredible sights, but most can think of something they would rather do with their time than strenuous, sometimes dangerous mountain treking. But I find peace, connection with God and His creation, and personal gratification of completing a great task. I draw many spiritual connections and similarities between hiking and my walk as a Christian.

On a long and mountainous hike, backs ache, knees grow weak and hurt, feet are sore and blistered. Discouragement can set in early as your body takes a chastizing. You can quickly become bitter as pain increases. More than once you doubt your ability to make it. Being swallowed by this doubt and fear, it can be easy to want to give up ... find an easy road and walk away. As with our race of faith, God calls us to be renewed. "For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls" (Hebrews 12:3). If we like Jesus endure this chastening, "God deals with (us) as with sons" (vs.7). And how did He deal with Jesus after His suffering was finished and the race won? God sat Jesus at His right hand on the throne!

We are to renew our spiritual vitality. We must take time to be healed, strengthen faith, and continue the race. There were times on our long hikes that we had to stop, re-energize, re-motivate, and continue on the path. We must, in our race of faith, stop and pray, seeking wisdom and peace. God warns us to not become defiled, letting any root of bitterness spring up. Look to the prize! Look to the finish line! "We are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken" (Hebrews 12:28).

Now read Isaiah 35 to see God's promises for those who run the good race, and take some time to firm feeble knees. God loves you! Be renewed! Have faith!