If you have ever seen the leaves changing colors in the Fall, then you know what I'm talking about when I say sometimes it takes all the strength a little leaf has to hold on to a tree. The leaves dry up, become crisp, and pretty soon, it's time for them to fall. Some of them can hold on for a while, at least until a strong wind blows, but some of them hold on until they literally can't hold on any longer. I want to be that kind of leaf. The one who holds on no matter how hard the wind blows. I want to stay connected to the tree for as long as I possibly can. You could argue that the leaf holds on, or that the tree won't let it go. I'd like to think of it as going both ways. I hold on and Jesus doesn't let go of me even when I am weak. When I become dried up and I barely have the strength to keep hanging on, He helps me stay connected to Him. He keeps me even when I feel like giving up. Even though the winds blow, Jesus doesn't let me go. I am like the little leaf hanging on to the tree. Shaken by external forces, but still willing to keep holding on.
When the world shakes you and the winds blow in your life, it takes all of your strength sometimes to just hold on. There will be moments beyond expression, times in your life when you can't pinpoint what is wrong with you. All you know is that you feel weak and dried up like a leaf. It is in those times that all you need to do is hold on. You may feel like giving up, but remember, Jesus won't let you go. He won't let you fall to the ground. Your life is precious in His sight and He doesn't want to lose you to the winds of this world.
I held on til the storm was over. I don't claim to be a hero and I don't have all the answers. But I held on til the storm was over. Not because I'm good. Not because I'm great. Not because I'm strong. I just held on...
At times when you can do nothing else, please don't give up. Your situation may seem hopeless. You might not trust anyone. Maybe your confidence in the Lord has been shattered, but you can still hold on. Cling to the source of life, Jesus Christ, as tightly as you can and I promise He won't let you go. You won't be able to hold on because you're strong. Not because you're anything great. Not because you're a hero. It will only be by God's grace that you find the ability to keep holding on the source of your strength. I hope and pray, no matter what you are facing, that you hold on. I can't promise life will get better overnight, but I can promise that Jesus will never leave you as long as you hold on to Him.