Crutches

What’s supporting you? Normally, you can walk freely without support. But there are times in our lives when we encounter injuries, soreness, or pain, and we need a little help. In a natural sense, crutches provide that needed support. When coping with life's issues, we often develop crutches that seem to provide support. However, some of those crutches are not physically, emotionally, or spiritually healthy.

Sometimes it’s even something that seems like a good thing. Recently, God made it clear to me that when I use something merely ‘to get me through the day,’ I’m often settling for a substitute — a crutch — instead of holding onto Jesus. God told me anytime you use something to get me through, it’s a copy, a substitute, a crutch! No matter how good that thing seems. We’re holding onto things when we need to be holding onto Jesus. 

There are times when it’s obviously a bad thing we’re holding on to as a crutch. Anxiety, fear, anger, unforgiveness, drugs, or alcohol become comforting to us and are used as a crutch. We might even become aware that we’re using something as a crutch, but it's become a comfort.  We then have to train ourselves not to use those crutches anymore. We have to make an intentional decision to replace those things with Jesus.

Have you ever heard the saying “We all have our vices”? A vice is considered a moral failing or a bad habit.  Sometimes those habits can be our crutch. We feel like we need it to get through the day. So many people (including myself for a season) smoke. We become addicted to the nicotine and feel like we need it. We need the comfort and peace smoking brings. Unfortunately, smoking only provides temporary comfort and peace. It’s not at all physically healthy, increases your dependence on nicotine, and raises your blood pressure. Jesus, however, provides eternal comfort and peace. And it’s as healthy as can be because by His stripes we are healed.

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“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.”

Isaiah 53:5 NKJV

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It seems we tend to go after things that look like Jesus or choose a copy of Him. The definition for a crutch is “a long stick with a crosspiece at the top, used as a support under the armpit by a person with an injury or disability.” It almost looks like a cross — but it isn’t one. A crutch supports us while keeping us in control, while the cross invites trust, surrender, and dependence. And if we’re honest, control often feels easier than surrender.

When someone breaks a leg, crutches are necessary for a season. They allow healing and prevent further damage. But if that person refuses to let go of the crutches after healing, the leg never fully regains strength. Dependence replaces recovery. What once helped now limits what’s possible.

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Crutches are meant for recovery, not residency.

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Friends, the answer is simple. JESUS. Nothing can replace Jesus. There’s nothing that can take His place. He’s the only one who can give us perfect peace and comfort. And His peace is eternal. Hold onto Jesus and throw away those crutches for good!

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“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”

Isaiah 26:3 NKJV

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A new year is a great time to evaluate where we are and what we're leaning on for support. Ask yourself, are you ready to throw away that crutch and surrender to Jesus? He is waiting for you.

As always friends, be well-fed.

John & Stephanie