August Devo - Path of Most Resistance

“Get strong; stay stable!”  This is the motto of our Physiotherapy Team who work together to help our residents regain strength in their arms and legs, which in turn helps them to avoid falls.  Their favourite techniques include isometrics, or resistance exercises.  We get stronger when our muscles push against other muscles or against something that pushes back.

In the early days of the Russian space program, they learned this the hard way.  When their first cosmonauts touched down after 211 days in space, they suffered from dizziness, high pulse rates and heart palpitations. They couldn't walk for a week, and after 30 days they were still undergoing therapy for atrophied muscles and weakened hearts.  At zero gravity, the muscles of the body begin to waste away because there is no resistance. To counteract this, the Soviets began a vigorous exercise program for their cosmonauts. They invented the "penguin suit," a running suit laced with elastic bands designed to resist every movement the cosmonauts made, forcing them to exert more strength. It worked!

This principle applies to our entire life, especially spiritually.  We often long dreamily for days without difficulty, but God knows better. The easier our life, the weaker our spiritual fiber. Strength of any kind grows only by exertion, through resistance. The Bible reminds us that “no discipline is enjoyable while it is happening - it’s painful!  But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees” (Hebrews 12:11,12 NLT).

 

Eileen Egan worked with Mother Teresa and the Missionaries of Charity for 30 years.  On one particular day they were experiencing a litany of problems. When Eileen complained to Mother Teresa, she suggested substituting the word “problem” with “gift.”  So Eileen rephrased her complaint, “Mother, today we have been given a basketful of gifts!” The same could be said of the many “gifts” we may be unexpectedly receiving right now!

“When troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow” (James 1:2,3 NLT).  The Bible has it right, and so does our rehab team: “Get strong; stay stable!”