I’m Not Getting Stronger! by Cheryl Sidler

Hi. I’m Cheryl, the Ministry Assistant (Secretary) at The Ridge. I have been asked to share a few paragraphs about any topic that’s on my heart for this week’s staff blog.



I’ve been in an especially stressful season the past three months. After periodic melt downs and fearful moments, I was often left feeling frustrated when these trials revealed my weaknesses all over again. Why do we tend to raise our own behavior bar so high that we forget about God’s grace? We know in our head that God’s will is best, but when serious times of trust and trial come, our hearts reveal what our faith is made of. 


Have you ever found yourself in situations that test you, only to find you feel no stronger in spite of being “further along” in your Christian journey?  Do you notice that we often seem to “fail” the same trials over and over again?  How has this made you feel? How have you responded?  Would it surprise you to hear that you might just be on the right track if you feel no stronger at all?


I am blessed this summer to join UP and IN as I meet weekly with my triad Bible study. We are using resources offering biblical history, context, and culture in order to better understand the Gospels. It seems that God has consistently been revealing and re-iterating some important things to me as I’ve weathered this stressful season: God isn’t making me stronger. He is my strength! 


Why does God esteem one who is humble and contrite in spirit (Isaiah 66:2)?  We are learning dependence; our need for a Savior.  I think this is part of why we are told to boast in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)…because it magnifies His strength in us.  At all times, especially in times of trial, let’s be honest with each other. Confess our weaknesses. Let’s see our fellow Christians and remember that in our weakness, Jesus is made strong!


As I reflect on this recent season, a song comes to mind by Ginny Owens called Say Amen (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6gotSNp3Yk). Although all of the lyrics are meaningful, these really bring my heart home:


Say Amen when the only thing you have is faith
You know that every step you take
Is leading you to His embrace
When you know you’re holding tighter to His hand,
That’s when you can say, “Amen.”


Are you holding tighter to His hand?
Glory to God!