Sometimes I feel very weak and lacking in strength to go forward or even to know how to make a wise decision. But I find it amazing that in those moments, God speaks to us tenderly showing he knows our fears and cares deeply and yet wants us to grow in our understanding that in him we always have someone alongside us who is so much bigger than the things we are struggling with. In Isaiah 41:10 he tells us: ‘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.’
I’ve just experienced in a real way what it means to be strengthened and upheld. You may know that I do simple mime/dances to Marilyn’s songs and lead dance workshops at our events. At a recent concert Marilyn asked me to do a dance that I’ve done many times before. But my balance has become quite a bit weaker and suddenly I found that I wasn’t managing to do the moves without stumbling or even falling. What should I do? Just give up? Stop Marilyn singing ? In my split second of indecision I sensed the Lord saying he would stand alongside me to support me. At that same moment a friend from the audience came and stood next to me. She reached out her hand and every time I wobbled she was there to support me. With her at myside I was able to spin and bend low. I was empowered to complete the dance and I believe it became something beautiful because in my weakness his hand was there, through the hand of this lovely friend, to support and raise me up. What could have been a defeat became a victory, a precious picture of the partnership God has brought us all into. He calls us to be channels of his love, revealing his splendour into our dark world but in our weakness he is always there for us promising his strength and letting us lean into his power.
If you are feeling weak and shaky today, fearful of stepping out or even of living your normal life, he is saying to you, ‘don’t be afraid precious one, I am here. Lean into me and we can dance together. Underneath are my everlasting arms. I will never let you fall or leave you helpless. Live your life knowing I am always alongside you. Trust in me that my hand of love will always be there to steady you and bring you comfort and strength at just the right time.'
I pray you will find great comfort in these words and the joy and strength to dance your life anew with him.
