Get up!

I was once a part of a small table of strong women; confident, organized and tough. Being the sensitive one of the bunch, if I would ask for advice about what to do when things got hard, they would reply with an “up” phrase. “Buck up” and “Suck it up” being the two that still ring in my head. I never knew what practical steps to take to accomplish this. It seems I was to draw from within myself the strength to make the hard things easy, not allowing them to drive me into the wall.

Even kind-intentioned phrases like “cheer up” or “perk up” echo with the same self-ability and resolve. I’m fed up with “up” phrases. They don’t work and are discouraging. But why? I think it is because they remind us that we are finite. Deep down we all know that our strength may run out, that the resources of our networks can be depleted, and we may be left weak and limp, unable to face the daily challenges before us. We know that life is more than we can handle, but don’t like to admit it. So we continue to believe we can push our way through by sheer force of will.

I think of the paralyzed man at Bethesda, waiting to get into the pool. Jesus asked him, "Do you want to get well?" (John 5:6 NIV) Interestingly, after the man explained his dilemma, Jesus responded with an “up” phrase of his own. "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk." At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.” (Jon 5:8-9)

Why then does Christ’s “up” phrase not bother me? I believe it’s because there was power and healing in Jesus’ words. The man was not to pick himself up with the strength he had left from 38 years of waiting to be healed. The man received healing first—power from outside himself, and then he obeyed. He knew he needed help, and humbly admitted that need, “Sir," the invalid replied, "I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me." (John 5:7 NIV)

How glad I am that Jesus came to help this man! It reminds me that His power is available to me also. So, now I have an encouraging “up” phrase to remember when things are hard. I can “Get up!” receiving the power from my Savior that will help me face the trials of life.