“You’re so strong,” they say over and over, like there’s a choice. Either you keep going or quit and goodness knows some of us never quit. Maybe that qualifies as strength, but do you ever wonder, “How long do you have to be the strong one?”
How long do you have to be the strong one?
People depend on me, like they depend on you. Oh, it may be for different things, but the pressure to provide is the same. Maybe little humans depend on you to feed them and keep them safe, or your co-workers rely on you to get the job done with excellence, or you’re caring for someone who needs you for every task and it’s just plain exhausting.
If you’re world turned upside down, and you’re the one everyone leans on for strength and support, people tell you that you’re strong, and you believe it. But the honest truth is, you’re drained.
Drowning without a break
When I realized there was a hole in the boat and water was rushing in, I knew I needed to swim or I’d drown. My arms stroked the troubled waters and my legs kicked against the current while I filled my lungs with oxygen for the next sprint. The rapids were too strong, and I knew I was in trouble. Though I tried with all my might to just keep swimming, my head was about to slip beneath the surface. Flood waters ripped away my strength and before I knew it, I was too far down stream to get back to where I started.
Row, row, row your boat, gently down the stream, ends up with a merry life that’s only a dream. But what happens when your dream life waters aren’t placid and you’re trying to be the strong one alone?
Rescue me from myself
Though I knew I was in trouble, I kept fighting, because I’m the strong one. But when my energy was spent, I finally grabbed a lifeline to survive. Are you worn-out from trying to save what’s washed away? Quit fighting rescue; you don’t always have to be the strong one.
Lifeline of strength
You may have family, friends or a church community who notice your peril immediately. They rally the gang and toss out the life-preserver. Or they may stand on deck admiring your aquatic skills while they sip their comfort. Don’t worry, they’ll be there cheering when you emerge from deep. Keep on, you can do it. Or can you?
Those of us who are mighty and brave aren’t going to admit we are tired and we certainly aren’t going to tell you what we need. But I can assure, our strength is thinner than you think. Our heads are above water because to stop treading would mean lungs full of water. Thanks for your encouragement and offer to bring dinner, but we are fine, really.
Fighting rescue
Okay, maybe we aren’t fine. Maybe we are about to drown and need rescuing, but it seems weak to accept help. Can I borrow some strength? I’m fresh out over here.
Be strong and ask for help
“Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.”
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT)
When we are weak, then we are strong. No one can carry the weight of the world, it’s not our job. Only God’s shoulders are big enough to handle the weight.
Are you worn-out from pretending you’re strong?
- Stop refusing help
- Ask for help when you need it
- God’s weakness is greater than our strength
- Be strong in the Lord
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.”
Ephesians 6:10 (ESV)
Hop on over to Ephesians 6 and spend some time learning how to face your battles using His strength.
If you are encouraged by this post, invite a friend to follow My Right Side Up Life
You just described me. This is how I roll.
Yep, I’m fine. Maybe a little tired, but fine. Oh that’s kind of you but we’re fine. No, no we are good really. Yes, pray for us. Thank you.
Oh so true