Sometimes We Need Help
Like it or not, we all need help at some point in our lives. Actually, at many points. None of us are designed to face life alone. For some, it’s difficult to ask for it. Pride is not exactly their friend, or anyone’s for that matter. Others, don’t want to be a burden; and yet, they don’t consider it a burden to help people. In fact, they find it to be a blessing.
This latter point may help you, if you struggle with asking for help. By asking, it opens an opportunity for someone to be a blessing to another. It’s hard to give if there’s no one to receive. Do you experience joy when you minister to others? Sometimes, we need to humble ourselves, and allow others to experience the same joy in serving us. It’s a two-way street by design. Paul reveals this principle in relation to giving.
2 Corinthians 8:13-14 For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality.
Another illustration is that of farmers. I know four who constantly help each other. Whether it’s planting or harvesting; assisting with equipment repair, which includes lending tools or expertise; watching over property while one is away, and etc., they’re available for one another. At the same time, each does his own work. The four working together increases their ability to succeed well above their working alone.
Of course, some stumble or even fall, and need others help them get back on their feet.
Galatians 6:1-5 Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another. For each one will bear his own load (burden).
We Must Bear Our Own Burden
Helping others requires humility. It is not meant to bolster one’s position or self-worth. When centered in love, true help gives what is actually needed. For instance, sometimes it’s more helpful to withhold than to give. Sometimes, that can be hard to recognize, especially when emotions get involved.
While it’s important to help others, it is equally important they do the necessary work to move forward. You can’t do everything for them. At least, not all the time. There may be moments when you shoulder all the weight. That’s when the other is truly incapable, or it’s an act of obedience to the Lord. Generally speaking, their desire to move forward should be greater than yours, which means they’re willing to put in the necessary effort.
When people either lack strength or know-how, their efforts might seem minuscule in comparison to yours. In fact, it may seem they want you to do all the work, but the opposite is true. For example, when a person doesn’t know what to do, he’s stuck. Once he learns what he needs to know, he’ll move forward. It’s not a lack of will; it’s a lack of knowledge and/or wisdom.
When helping others, it’s important to ask God for wisdom. He alone knows exactly what people need. As previously stated, helping others requires humility. We need to ask for help to truly help others.
Going further with this principle, helping others might require them going it alone for a season. They require tough love. Just as our Father disciplines us when necessary, He may say, “hands off” for their sake. There are processes we all must go through, or if you will, must endure. They alone must bear that burden, and that burden is a tool that will help them become who God has called them to become. Each of us must bear our own burden.
