25Mar
Proverbs 24:10 challenges us, “If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength!” Do those words conjure up pictures of herculean stoicism? We all want to be steadfast during times of great trial. Solomon’s words are clear and logical; if we collapse under the weight of hardship, then our strength is small.
I would suggest there is a massive difference between uncomfortably struggling in the oppressive face of dire circumstances and giving up. To be worried and weary in the middle of formidable conditions is not the same as failing! When things get hard, when our minds shout “Danger!” and we still push ahead, that is a mark of real strength. It is OK not to be OK, so long as we don’t quit! The difference is enormous. The threat that doesn’t scare us does not require as much character, courage, and strength as being scared and still moving ahead.
One documentary recreated the rescue of a sinking freighter. The Coast Guard rescue swimmer vividly recalled the event. As he sat in the open door of the helicopter with three-story-tall waves rolling below, it was paralyzing. He lifted his eyes from the daunting leap into rolling mountains of seawater toward the sinking vessel and crew awaiting rescue, and he said, “My training just kicked in, and I jumped!” He successfully rescued several crewmen that day. Facing fear and pushing ahead is what I call strength! I think it was Winston Churchill who said, “If you are going through Hell, keep going!”
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