Don’t Struggle Alone
This little anecdote touched my heart because its implications are so broad, so common to our human nature, and applicable to anyone from all walks of life.
It is a story of us, and it goes like this.
A little boy valiantly, but unsuccessfully, attempted to move a heavy log. His dad stood quietly nearby, watching his son straining against the load. Finally, he said, “Son, why aren’t you using all of your strength?”
Confused and a little angry, the boy responded,
“Dad, I’m using every last little bit of strength I have!” To which the father responded, “No, son, you’re not,” “You haven’t asked me to help.”
Did you feel that gut punch! I am often guilty of trying to resolve things on my own even when I know I have full access to a loving Father who stands guard over my every move. It makes me wonder if that is not another reason why angels are so bewildered at us.
As women, we have the tendency to try to manage life without allowing the Lord of our life to share the burden with us. Scripture tells us over and over and in so many varied ways that, “God is our “refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble” (Psalm 46:1). Why is He then often, a last ditch effort?
Job says, “My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God” (Job 16:20).
Many times, when a problem arises, instead of running to God for help through intercessory prayer, we mill possible solutions around in our heads. We self-talk ruminating on all our options.
Or we might call a friend and just spout off about our situation not really looking for any real guidance — but using our words to gain relief from the problem.
Why do we continually fall into that pit when there is so much value to tapping into the promises of God which are at our fingertips through the Word of God.
Imagine how we would feel as parents if our children never consulted with us when going through a problem. Or worse yet, even believe we are not interested. How our hearts would ache.
If we only knew the power of His mighty love for us—even “when we are faithless, He is faithful—for He cannot deny Himself “(2 Timothy 2:13).
The Lord said, “See now that I myself am He! There is no god besides me. I put to death and I bring to life. I have wounded and I will heal, and no one can deliver out of my hand” (Deuteronomy 32:39).
Imagine if we memorized that Bible verse and wielded it daily upon rising each morning. There lies the difference in how we would respond to adversity. It is in that unwavering belief where our pride is exposed.
Reminder: God is with us; for us; watching us; waiting for us; and available to us all day every day.
I’ve experienced this especially in my lowest moments. As Corrie ten Boom has said, “You may never know that Jesus is all you need, until Jesus is all you have.”
“All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. God does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him” “What have you done?” (Daniel 4:35).
We just need to ask Him for help—the disciples did not wait until the boat was capsized before they ran in and woke Jesus up from His sleep. Don’t you love that? Jesus is asleep while His disciples are in a crisis. He then turns to His disciples and asks, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?’(Mark 4:40).
This powerful reminder is that even in life’s worse storms, Jesus is present. Though it may seem like He is asleep. He is always in control. We can trust Him no matter the outcome.
