Let God Help
Let God Help
One Saturday, a little boy spent his entire morning playing in a sandbox. He used a plastic bucket and shovel to create roads and even a tunnel for his toy cars and trucks. He soon discovered a large rock in the middle of the sandbox. The industrious child carefully dug around it and eventually dislodged the rock.
With great effort, he pushed the big rock to the edge of the sandbox; however, try as he might, he could not roll it over the edge. With great determination and using all his strength, the boy shoved, pushed, and pried, but could not move the bothersome rock. Finally, unable to contain his emotions, the frustrated child burst into tears.
The boy’s father watched from their living room as his son became increasingly upset. While his son’s tears fell, he gently asked, “Son, why didn’t you use all the strength you had available?” The little boy sobbed, “But I did, Daddy! I did!” His father tenderly explained, “No, son, you didn’t, because you never asked for my help.” The father then picked up the rock and easily removed it from the sandbox.
I do not know what “rocks” need to be removed from your life, but all too often, like the little boy, we try to deal with life’s challenges without asking for help. Sometimes this is fine, but far too frequently, we end up far more frustrated than necessary because friends and family are willing to help if asked.
Many feel vulnerable and decide it is not safe to share their struggles with anyone. This is rarely the right approach. While some take advantage of others’ vulnerability, everyone needs help during challenging times. As Thomas Merton wrote, “No man is an island.”
Many feel vulnerable if they ask for help, and decide it is safer not to trust anyone. They become so accustomed to relying on no one that they never consider asking even God for help. Sometimes, Christians also turn to God only as a last resort. The tragic result is a great deal of unnecessary frustration.
At times, wise parents and grandparents refuse to step in too quickly when a child needs to learn valuable lessons from their challenges, but are eager to help when needed. I love how God describes the relationship he wants with us: “I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6:18, NLT)
If imperfect adults love to help their children, is this not even more true of our Heavenly Father? Do not hesitate to ask God for assistance; he is eager to help when you and I need him.