By Debbie
Right now, I’m wearing a neck brace to keep my neck stable after surgery. Three deteriorated discs were removed, bone spurs cleaned up, and healing is in progress. I don’t know how long I’ll have to wear this brace, but I do know one thing—I’ve had to brace myself.
That phrase took on a deeper meaning as I reflected on Scripture.
Jesus was constantly telling His disciples to brace themselves for what was coming—His suffering, His death, the cross. Again and again, He spoke plainly, but they rebuked Him or couldn’t grasp what He meant. They weren’t prepared for the pain that was ahead.
When Jesus was finally crucified, almost all the disciples scattered. Only John stood at the foot of the cross.
When things happen that we are not prepared for—loss, pain, unexpected changes—it can cause us to fall apart. Our faith can wobble. Our emotions can collapse under the weight of shock and grief.
But Jesus never intended for us to brace ourselves alone.
Just as this neck brace is stabilizing what cannot support itself right now, Jesus invites us to lean on Him for our stability. He becomes our support when life feels fragile and uncertain.
God reminds us of this promise:
“Do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” — Isaiah 41:10
We brace ourselves spiritually when we pray—even when words won’t come.
We brace ourselves when we praise Him in the middle of the pain.
We brace ourselves when we open Scripture and let truth hold us together.
And sometimes… we brace ourselves simply by crying.
Mary Magdalene understood this. She wiped Jesus’ feet with her tears. No fancy words. No polished prayers. Just tears flowing from a heart that had been forgiven much—and therefore loved much.
Tears are not weakness. They are often the strongest form of trust we have.
If you’re in a season where life has shaken you, where things feel unstable or uncertain, hear this gentle invitation from Jesus today:
Brace yourself—but lean on Me.
He is steady when we are not.
He is strong where we are weak.
And He will hold us together while healing takes place.
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” — Psalm 46:1
Prayer:
Jesus, You see the places in my life that feel fragile and unsteady. Teach me to lean on You instead of trying to hold it all together myself. Whether through prayer, praise, Scripture, or tears, help me find my stability in You. Amen.
