Are there times when you feel helpless? Do you feel as though you are a fifth wheel? Do you think you are being left out because you have nothing to contribute? Are you in a situation in which you do not know how you will get through it?
We all face situations for which we feel ill equipped to handle. There are times when we feel as though we don’t fit in. We may be struggling through a time of meagerness. Our outlook may be bleak. We may be wondering aimlessly, looking for direction.
When we face times of trial, we long for someone to lend a helping hand. There is good news for those who follow Jesus. He provides the assistance we need. He strengthens us so we can face difficulties. He sends others to help. His timing is perfect, even if we don’t always think so.
I have seen God provide the money needed to make a mortgage payment. One instance was when a husband had become extremely ill and could not work. The wife was trying to make ends meet on her paycheck, but she couldn’t stretch the dollar far enough. She came to the church where she was a member and presented her situation to the leadership. They decided to bring it before the congregation, providing them an opportunity to help a fellow Christian.
One of the leaders presented the opportunity to give but did not disclose the amount needed. A special collection was taken up. After the collection was counted, there was twenty dollars more than she needed. God worked through the people, encouraging each person to give what they could, and provided for the need.
When we feel ill equipped, helpless, or in dire need, our first person to cry out to should be God. He will direct us, just as he directed the woman above. God works through people, especially the church, to lift us up out of the drudgery of life.
I pray we all reach out to God to be strengthened. I pray we take our weakness to him. I pray each one of us will bring our needs before the church and trust God to strengthen our hearts. Reach out to God. Trust God to help. Trust God to strengthen. Follow Jesus. Know God is always with you.
1 Thessalonians 3:13 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.
Marty Pressey 