Lean on Me: When God is our Go-To

Tears and silent prayers were flowing as I pressed the phone to my ear and tried to understand my son’s explanation of his medical diagnosis.

I patiently waited for more information between his gasps of air and kept repeating the first words that came to mind. 

“It’s going to be ok. We’re here, and we’ll get through this together. It’s ok; it’s going to be ok.”

Profound, huh?!

Fortunately, the Holy Spirit interprets our groans and turns them into beautiful sounds. 

After hearing most of his message, I didn’t have an answer to fix the blood clot problem, and that’s super hard for most Mama Bears. So, I just started praying out loud over our situation. 

I don’t remember everything I said other than giving thanks for a treatable diagnosis, pleading for comfort, and asking for a clear direction about future decisions.

I needed to lean on the God who sees, the God who cares, the God who provides. 

This sweet boy’s Creator is the only One who already knows the outcome and loves him more than I can fathom. We have the privilege of leaning into the hope of our heavenly Father and asking for peace that passes our own understanding.

When I clicked the phone off, I noticed my body shaking. During the difficult call, I had been squeezing a friend’s hand (probably a bit too much) and hadn’t realized my physical reaction to the conversation. 

My natural first reaction to solving most dilemmas is to use my Googling expertise and overthinking research. And honestly, I’m ok with that. We are supposed to be wise and resourceful, but there is only so much we can control. 

Reaching out to others and handling things ourselves is an essential part of the equation. But we’re kidding ourselves if we depend on the human factor alone for true wisdom and strength. 

Sadly, we often fall short (as in really far away) of providing the right answers and reassurance, which leads to distrust, depression, and despair.

Fortunately, we have a Savior that promises to fulfill all those desires when we draw close to Him and allow His arms to wrap around us with calming tenderness and fierce strength.

Bill Withers had it partially correct when he released his number-one single in 1972, “Lean on Me.” 

Sometimes in our lives, we all have pain. We all have sorrow.

But if we are wise, we know that there's always tomorrow.

Lean on me when you're not strong, and I'll be your friend.

I'll help you carry on.

Have you joined me in the chorus yet? The words to this catchy tune describe the typical human desires for comfort, understanding, and dependability. I am beyond grateful for skilled surgeons, prayerful friends, and supportive strangers helping us walk this path. 

In addition, I am ultra aware of the hope that tomorrow brings because of God’s great love, friendship, and Lordship as my Heavenly Father. The outcome is out of our hands, so we lean on Him and each other while waiting in hopeful expectation. 

The next time you’re humming along with “If there is a load you have to bear that you can’t carry,”  be reminded of the Holy Spirit’s gifts of comfort, wisdom, and strength available to you.

*Full Well Fitness LLC is dedicated to helping midlife women thrive with a healthy body, mind, and soul that shines Christ’s light of hope.

NOTE: Follow up: My son was diagnosed with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (also known as Padgett Schrotters Syndrome or Deep Vein Thrombosis). He is recovering from successfully removing his first rib and scalene muscle, as we continue to pray for complete healing of the blood clots and blockages. We’re still leaning on God and each other. xo