Asking for Help-Part 1

Why is it so difficult for some of us to ask for help when facing a difficult situation? This seems to be a universal truth. Let's explore that together.

First off, we all face difficult times in our lives.  Also a universal truth!  These can be a result of our own poor choices, the decisions of others that affect us, or just plain old life in general.  What should we do when we really need some help?  How do we cope?

Easy; we hide our pain and distress, try to keep our chin up, push through, and basically not let anyone know what's going on...right?  That's how many of us handle hard stuff!  Is that really helpful?  Does it allow us time to really work through the tough stuff?  The answer would be a resounding "NO"!

There are many reasons for this coping mechanism.  First, it's hard to admit that we are having difficulty with something.  Second, we don't want to be seen as weak, especially with our church friends.  Third, sometimes we are so worn out by the hard stuff that we don't even have the emotional and/or physical energy to talk about it!

Sometimes it's easy to pray about all this, easier than talking to people.  We know that God already knows it all, He has the inside story.  We don't need to spell it all out to God.  So we pray and pray, we cry out to God for help.  We wait for some reply, some way to make it another day...

Hello!  Do we ever think that perhaps our answer from God Himself is to take our burden to His people?  Maybe He is saying, "this is why I put this person or that person in your life, to help you with this heavy load..."   Hhmmm...Think about that for a moment!

Oh, but we still don't want to do it!  We think: "I will be ok, I can make it"  "I don't want to bother him or her."  "I don't want to be a complainer."  "They are so busy, they can't possibly have time to help me..."  And on and on...We always have a reason!

Galations  6:2 says: "Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." NetBible   The real truth is that God did put us here with other people to share the heavy burden.  His plan is not that we go it alone.  His desire is that we work together as a community of believers to lift one another up when we are weak and troubled.  We need to be that community for each other!

Stay tuned for more "Asking for Help" in some specific situations.

Blessings to all!