strength

I feel parts of me hurting and aching and I didn't even know existed.These almost three weeks here in the Dominican Republic have been filled with hikes, walks up hills, walks down hills...while carrying completely limp passed out cold sleeping children. While carrying bags and packs and things. Lifting, holding, swinging, cradling, throwing. Running, jumping, skipping. Even surfing. Even the luxury of sitting down for an hour usually means it's because a sleeping child has collapsed heavier by four times their actual weight in my arms. Or sitting crammed onto a way too small bus for a ride still using muscle groups I did not know yet existed.So I ache. And find strength growing. Even as my body reminds me of being used in ways uncommon, I feel an uncommon strength surging. Each movement both reminds of the pain while at the same time carries a new momentum and ability.When my hands go slack and I am exhausted, He does not often give me a break. But instead encourages. Speaking courage into me. Making me brave to hold on, not let go.When my knees totter and I am feeble, He strengthens me. Literally infusing me with power. Rooting, grounding and establishing me.When my heart and mind and soul and spirit are weary, He gives rest but not from activity completely. Rest in His presence to press into circumstances. Uncommon places in my heart being used, uncommon strength welling because.My Lord does not let me avoid using the parts of me dormant. He presses me further, deeper, higher, longer.And the pain and the ache of uncommon use linger. But the growing strength surpass and overcome and carry. Pushing me beyond what was my former maximum. And I can feel it.What once was pain, dulling to ache, dulling to a lingering reminder of uncommon use. Manifesting in uncommon strength. Feeling the power of each movement. Strength not mine beforehand.Images by Cameron Coker for Calvary Chapel Chattanooga Youth Group