After encouraging believers into pressing on toward maturity, the writer to the book of Hebrews (many believe Paul) urges CHRISTians to turn hopelessness into hope even when we are being chastised by the Lord. See if this applies to you.

1. How can we get up when we get down? (Heb 12:12) – “Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees.”

The words “hang down” is παρίημι: (par-ee’-ay-mi), which means to pass by or over. It can mean to relax. The meaning of feeble knees is the word παραλύω,(par-al-oo’-o), which means to loose from the side, or to relax, enfeeble, or weaken. The word “lift” means to set upright, set straight again. It can be used as to make upright (straight) again, rear again. Furthermore, it can mean restore.

Do you get the picture? When we are tired, weary or discouraged our hands hang down by our sides. Plus, our knees feel like buckling.

2. How can we go forward when we get pushed backwards? (Heb 12:13) – “And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.”

Notice the word “healed”. It is ἰάομαι: (ee-ah’-om-ahee), which means to heal. However, it can apply generally of the physical, but sometimes it can mean spiritual healing.

3. How can we stay close to Jesus when you feel far away? (Heb 12:14) – “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.”

Peace can be achieved thru a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Peace with others is because we have the peace of God.