Strength to the Weary, Power to the Weak

“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Isaiah 40: 28-31 (MSG)

I was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease in February of 2006. Since that time my disease has progressed rather rapidly. I find that every day living with a progressive neurological disease is a struggle in one manner or another. I am learning the importance of trusting the Lord to be my daily portion, my strength. I have discovered that I am tired and weary, and my body is becoming increasingly weak. But God . . .

. . .two simple little words, but not really simple or little at all. In actuality they are BIG, words. HUGE words. Actually, these two words carry life altering implications. For example:

I could be lost in a world of sin and despair . . . . . . but God!
I could feel abandoned and unloved . . . . . . but God!
I could be struggling on my own . . . . . . but God!
I have no strength in my own power . . . . . . but God!
I will sin, struggle, stumble, fall . . . . . . but God!

See what I mean? Powerful and power filled words!

On the days that I experience struggles with a low spirit, low energy, the inability to cope with any of life’s little stressors, or a lack of physical strength I remember that the Lord is the everlasting God. He is the Creator of the earth and He loves me; He loves all of His children with a depth and richness that we cannot fathom.

I run to Him and I ask Him to give me His strength. I ask Him to increase my power, not so that I might accomplish the items on my to-do list, but that I might not miss an opportunity to serve Him. I have come to understand that by serving Him I can truly realize what it would feel like to soar on wings like an eagle.

If my spirit is willing, my eyes open and my mind free to follow His path, do His will, He will equip me for His service. He will provide the required strength and power. It is not easy giving up my list of priorities, but God blesses abundantly when I remember to daily surrender my life to Him.

I have surrendered my health. I have surrendered my marriage. I have surrendered my family. I have surrendered all I hold dear. When I realize that everything comes to me by God’s grace and belongs to Him anyway, and that His love is much greater than any here on earth, what do I have to fear by living a life surrendered? Nothing! In fact, I have much to gain. When I remember this truth and even give Him the smallest details of my day, God rushes in and overtakes me with His blessings.

My prayer is that I will be able to influence many to join me in my journey to daily surrender and to enjoy the way that He brings power to the weak.


Dear Lord,
Help me to live surrendered to you. Your ways, Your plan, Your to-do list, all impact an eternal perspective. I ask that You send Your power when I am weak, provide me with strength to resist the temptation to try to go it on my own. Show me how to serve you so that I may plant many seeds that lead to salvation. In Jesus’ name.


Related Verses

Psalm 37: 23-24, “If the LORD delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.” (NIV)

Psalm 68: 35, “You are awesome, O God, in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God!” (NIV)