Where Weakness Meets the Living God

Strengthen the weak hands and make firm the feeble knees. – Isaiah 35:3 (ESV)

For centuries, people have commented that fear first manifests in the hands and knees as they shake and feel weak. They weren’t wrong! A more modern observation may include the fact that these extremities are affected by the sudden release of cortisol and adrenaline in a “fight or flight” response as your brain perceives a threat. Your hands might have to grasp something or your legs might need to propel you toward safety, and so these areas are being prepared for that potential outcome.

The remaining verses of Isaiah, however, have nothing to do with fighting or fleeing and a whole lot to do with seeing the majesty of God breaking out all over the place—the blind seeing, the deaf hearing, the lame leaping. creation renewing itself while peace reigns and more.

Why does all this happen? Because God “comes to save” (Isaiah 35:4), not because we lifted dumbbells until our hands were strong and did squats until our knees were no longer feeble. So what’s our part? Our job is to not give in to the fear and hopelessness that not only immobilize but also diminish our will to pray for revival and to even see it when it comes. We are called to show our true strength by bringing God into our weakness and trusting Him with whatever is next.

Everyone gets afraid and there is much to fear, just as there has always been. On our own, we are at the mercy of hormones, circumstances and talk-show “therapists”. But when we remember that we serve the Living God and that “the battle is the Lord’s” (1 Samuel 17:47), the peace that was so elusive is soon within grasp.

And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. – Isaiah 35:10 (ESV)

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