Pull Yourself Together: Hebrews 12:12-13
“12) Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, 13) and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed.” Hebrews‬ ‭12:12-13‬
When God seems to be silent and at a distance, sometimes it’s hard to discern if your faith is being tested, if you are going through a trial, if your experiencing some form of persecution or if you are being disciplined. Sometimes more than one can be happening at the same time. There are silent and dry times in your walk with God.
Each of the hero’s of faith in the previous chapter had times that God clearly spoke to them… and then they had to persevere through faith and obedience through difficult times where God seemed silent. This is one reason why I love the Psalms. David was very transparent about his emotional ordeals whether he was up or down, whether God seemed near to far, or if people were with him or against him. He usually resorted to confession, praise, prayer and intercession. He made a habit of seeking God until he had a break through.
Likewise, the writer of the book of Hebrews gives great advice in these two verses. When you are being stretched or tested, respond by strengthening your “hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed.”
It is possible to become your own worse enemy if you don’t guard your emotions. When you stand back and view the book of Hebrews as a whole, it is screaming a unified message; “God is for you and not against you!” “ He is with you and has not abandoned you!” “If you seek Him you will find Him!” “He wants you to grow and not get stuck in infancy.” “He wants you to build perseverance and consistency into your life.” And finally, “It will be worth it all when you see Jesus!” What is coming is much more magnificent than what this world has to offer.
God doesn’t promise us a trouble free life, but He does promise to be with us through the troubles. Trusting Jesus doesn’t mean there will be no trials, but it does mean that the trails can have meaning and purpose. God causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him. God uses the trials to conform us to the image of Christ. (Romans 8:28-30)
Therefore, pull yourself together and set a straight path for your feet. Walk the narrow path without wavering. Fix your eyes on Jesus.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global