Asking for help is hard, and I tend to struggle for a while, bear down and act like everything is fine. Then at the last minute, when there is a real possibility that I can’t make it, then maybe, just maybe, I might see if you could assist me, but only if it is convenient for you. This is a terrible habit that I need to break, and I bet you do too. Here are two thoughts to remind us that it’s okay to ask for help:
- Needing help has always been in God’s design for people. – For some reason, we sometimes think that asking for help is admitting failure. But the truth is, God created us with a need for help. Asking for help is actually recognizing the way God made us all. From the beginning, when God created Adam, he created everything he needed, but it was not good for him to be alone. So God said, “I will make him a helper suitable for him” (Genesis 2:18). Then God created woman and placed her with Adam God established the family. If you are married and have a healthy relationship, then you understand the help that comes from your spouse. But even if you are not married, you can see that God created the family, and your family, both physical and spiritual family in the church, can and should be a great help to you. Ask these people for help.
- Needing help acknowledges our need for God’s grace. There are times we are in need. These times might be more often than not and include needing physical help. This also consists of the spiritual help we need, which is the help we need all the time. The Hebrew author says, “Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). Is there ever a time we don’t need mercy and grace to help us? I don’t think so. Ask God for help and seek his mercy and grace.
I’m going to try to ask you and God for help more often because it’s okay to ask! After thinking about this, I realize now that help and grace are just about the same thing. And I’ll make a deal with you. You can ask me too!
~ Alex