Hanging in There?

Ever heard someone say, "Oh, I am just hanging in there."? It seems like there is supposed to be something good about "just holding on." Like one should receive some credit for hanging on desperately, despairingly and hopelessly.

I suppose from one point of view that is true. I mean, we are supposed to reap if we faint not, right?

It took several conversations, however, for me to see that "hanging on for dear life" is not necessarily always a good thing. Why did it take me so long to realize that maybe I need to let go - let go of my dreams, let go of my fears? I am pretty sure that my plans, my wishes, my pain is not what is going to bring glory to God.

In 2 Corinthians Paul talks about the "thorn" in his flesh. This was something that he had earnestly entreated God to have removed from his life. There are many speculations about what the thorn was, but I think that is a point that doesn't need explained. What mattered is that when Paul was weak...that was when he was the strongest in God's eyes.

See, God wants us to come before Him open-handed. I think there are two reasons for this. First, we need to come to God and let go of everything - our plans, our fears, our...you get the point. We need to let go of ourselves. And then? Then, while our hands are still open, then our Heavenly Father is able to fill us - fill our lives with strength and peace. I think (or am learning to think, thanks to some wise people in my life) that when we are being honest about our weakness (and letting go) before God is when He is able to do the most with us. Allowing Him to be strong for us...that is true strength.

Know what I think? Next time I feel like I am just barely hanging on I think I need to remind myself to let go. Let go of the masks and the pretenses, let go of the fear, let go of controlling the situation, let go of what I think I need...and let myself be weak. For "when I am weak, then I am strong." (1 Cor. 12.10) And I don't think that will be so bad, for then I am reminded that "underneath are the everlasting arms." (Deut. 33:27)