Workouts That Work

“Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.” Hebrews 12:12

I wince as I write—yesterday’s yard work a painful reminder that seldom-used muscles quickly get sore. (A shovel, hedger, and set of shears equip one nicely for a total-body workout!) Regular exercise involving such specific motions would have been wise preparation for the extra exertion.

Constant use trains not only ligaments and limbs, but also souls and spirits, for current and upcoming challenges. If they haven’t already arrived, hard times are on the way. The pain can produce purity and peace (Heb. 12:11), but we must endure the rough to enjoy the results. We need stamina and strength to see us through. God will help us and hold us in the storm, but He also tells us to work-out in the sunshine. “Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.” We need to be able to do more than breathe. We need to build up and buff up in preparation for the tasks, triumphs, and troubles of each day.

Unlike wiry marathoners of modern times who completely ignore their upper bodies, our arms must be strong so we can pick up the fallen(Gal. 6:1), support the struggling(Rom. 15:1), and carry the burdens of the overwhelmed(Gal. 6:2). Our knees must be sturdy to support the weight of responsibility and opportunity we have as followers of Christ. Our path will not always be flat and smooth, so we must be steady and strong as we charge up hills and avoid obstacles.

Our power comes from a God who has been in the fitness business for quite a while. Way back, God spoke through Job to “strengthen feeble hands, support those who stumbled, and strengthen faltering knees”(Job 4:3-4). Centuries later, Isaiah commanded God’s people to “strengthen the feeble hands, and steady the knees that give way”(Is. 35:3). And here in Hebrews, we’re reminded to “strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees.” Arms and knees seem to be perpetual problem areas that should be exercised often.

Drop to the floor and lift up your hands.
Strength is built best by prayer and praise.