Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed. (Heb 12:12-13)

Improvements in technology and streaming media make it easy for us to become passive consumers. After our initial decision to stream a particular video or song, we no longer have to select the next thing we want to watch or listen to. Instead, we have to make an effort to click "stop" in order for it to end; otherwise, what's next in the queue will automatically play.

We can also see this type of situation and mentality in our spiritual life. If we are used to omitting Bible reading and prayer from our daily life, it requires conscious thought and effort to change our ways. Although it would be much easier to remain passive and continue in our previous habits, we need to be proactive if we want to make changes.

There is hope for us if we recognize that we are weak in faith. As we identify the areas that are weak, we can strengthen our hands and knees by planning out the course of actions that we need to take in order to pull ourselves out of our low point.

If we don't attend Sabbath services regularly, start attending every week. If we have fallen behind on our daily Bible reading, make a schedule and stick to it, or start following our local church's Bible reading schedule. If our daily prayers have gotten shorter and shorter, set a timer. If we aren't involved with sacred work, look for something to help out with.

Yet it is not enough to strengthen our hands and knees; we also need to make straight paths for our feet. As we start to build up our faith, let us also take a look at our habits and choices—do they help or hinder us in our new resolve? If our thoughts and free time continue to be spent on marathoning television shows or playing games on our phones past our bedtime, we will not be able to sustain our newly-strengthened faith.

Therefore, let us not only spend more time meditating on God's word and serving Him, but also put a stop to the bad habits and poor choices that weaken our relationship with God. We can be healed by making our own straight paths.

Questions for Reflection

1.     How can you strengthen your faith?

2.     What will you do to make straight paths for your feet?