A Little Weak in the Hips
My dad has always been very active. Besides enjoying sports like basketball, racquetball, wrestling, and squash, his parents moved from the United States to Japan when he was two years old, so he grew up in a very active walking culture. All those things contributed to the strength and endurance he has always had when it came to sports and physical activity.
Fast forward a number of years. I brought a friend home from college to visit – who later became my husband! At this point in the story, my dad was in his early fifties. Nevertheless, he completely crushed us in a game of basketball. While Michael and I were bent over trying to catch our breath, my dad just kept running laps around us. He has always been incredibly strong and active.
However, as happens to all of us, our bodies get older. After years of sports and a few significant injuries, my dad eventually needed both hips replaced. He had one replaced a few years ago and the second one replaced this summer. As it happened, our visit to see my parents lined up with the weeks immediately following his surgery.
Recovery from any surgery is difficult – I know that personally after having two C-sections. But I imagine it is especially challenging for someone who is used to constantly being on the move. Although my dad had already gone through one hip replacement, this surgery involved a different procedure and the recovery has taken a little longer than the first. For someone who has spent a lifetime being active, learning to slow down and patiently heal is no small task.
Watching him recover reminded me of a passage in Isaiah. Before we look at the verses themselves, it helps to understand the surrounding context of Isaiah 34–35. Isaiah 34 describes God's judgment on the nations, while Isaiah 35 beautifully contrasts that judgment with God's promise of restoration, joy, and salvation for His people. In the middle of this message of hope, Isaiah writes:
"Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who have an anxious heart, 'Be strong; fear not!'" (Isaiah 35:3–4).
This wasn't simply a call to "try harder" or "be brave." It was an invitation to trust because God Himself was coming to save His people and fulfill every promise He had made.
The Hebrew word חָזַק (ḥazak) means to be strong, strengthen, take courage, or hold firmly. It is the word Isaiah uses in this passage. Throughout the Hebrew Bible, ḥazak often describes strength that comes from trusting God rather than relying on ourselves. The Lord was reminding His people they could stand firm – not because of their own ability, but because He is faithful and always keeps His promises.
That same truth encourages us today. Our confidence is never meant to rest in our own strength, our health, or our abilities. Those things will eventually fail us. Instead, our hope is found in the unchanging faithfulness of God, who never changes and never breaks His Word.
So… whether you find yourself with weak hands, feeble knees (or weak in the hips!) – or perhaps you're facing a different challenge that leaves you feeling weary or inadequate – remember where your strength comes from. The God who encouraged Israel through Isaiah is the same God who faithfully walks with us today. We can trust Him in every season, knowing He will strengthen us and accomplish His perfect purposes in His perfect timing.
Written by Hannah, Life in Messiah Staff Member
Where are you currently tempted to rely on your own strength instead of God's faithfulness?
Why do you think God often uses our weaknesses to teach us deeper dependence on Him?
What practical steps can you take this week to intentionally place your hope in God's strength instead of your own?