For the
last few years, my aunt, Marlene, has suffered from inner-ear problems that
cause her to lose her equilibrium. Without warning, something inside her ear is
upset and she becomes dizzy. If she tries to sit or stand, a condition called
vertigo makes that impossible—and she has to lie down. No amount of effort can
compensate for the power of the inner ear to disrupt and disturb. An active
person, Marlene finds these unwelcome episodes frustrating.
Sometimes
life is like that. Something unexpected upsets our routine, and we are knocked
off-balance. Perhaps it’s bad news about our job being eliminated or disturbing
test results from our doctor. It may even be an attack from our spiritual
enemy. In each case, our emotional equilibrium is hammered, and we feel as if
we can’t stand.
Those moments
should cause us to turn to God. When we feel we are losing our balance, He can
help. He provides spiritual resources to help us stand. Paul says, “Take up the
whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and
having done all, to stand” (Eph. 6:13).
When life
knocks us off our feet, we don’t have to be frustrated. With God’s strength
lifting us up and God’s armor protecting us, we can still stand strong.
We can
endure anything if we depend on God for everything. (RBC)
