Learn To Lean

“Weakness teaches us to lean on God's strength." -Pastor Merle Quimby

In 1995, I was just out of drug and alcohol rehab in upstate New York; and it was recommended I go to a halfway house for six months. I was sober and I was determined to stay that way. However, the prospect of a halfway house was very frightening to me. The only halfway houses that I had ever seen were in terrible neighborhoods with winos sleeping in doorways and street gutters. I was afraid I couldn't stay sober in an environment like I had envisioned. I was just plain afraid!

That was one of the bleakest times of my life. I had to make a decision quickly. I could find no Christian friend, no clergy, no one I trusted to talk with. I couldn't even reach my folks on the telephone that day.

I felt completely alone until the Holy Spirit whispered to me, "Lo, I am with you always.” That's when I learned to "lean"! I found the strength I needed on my knees and in God's Word. I decided to go to the halfway house for the recommended term. "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."  Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV

When I got there, it was beautiful! It was like a picture right out of “Better Homes and Gardens Magazine”. When I got to my assigned room, the mattress, linens and pillows were still in the plastic wrappers. It was all brand new. It was perfect.

The staff treated us like royalty. The whole program was so nurturing. It turned out to be the best thing for me. I learned so much about how to develop new ways to live, new habits, and new patterns.

When I asked God to direct me, and I actually followed Him; He led me to a much better place than I would have chosen for myself. Isn’t that just like our Heavenly Father? How He loves us!

I learned that God will not only lead us, but that His way is much better than what we would plan for ourselves. 

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

Have a great day; and remember who and Whose you are.
Brenda Quimby Smith

"Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy." Jude v. 24 KJV