Good morning! As I am sitting here this morning, I am thankful for my family – my immediate family, my extended family, my church family, and the friends that have become like family! God never intended us to walk through this life alone.
“The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”
Genesis 2:18
I am extremely thankful for the wife that God has blessed me with to talk through this journey of life together with all of its ups and downs! But not only that, I am thankful for the wisdom of my parents (having previously walked through many life experiences), the support from my siblings, and the community of people that make this life so much fun!
There have been times when my Dad would meet Mer on the side of the road to change a flat tire for her when I was unavailable, or my Father-in law would come help with an electrical issue. My family and friends surrounded me when we put the roof on the house, the pool in the backyard, a new pump in the basement, and so many other times.
The truth is, sometimes there are things that have to get done that I’m not sure can even be accomplished, but God has promised His help and has given us the gift of the people around us to help us through this life.
When Paul began his second letter the church of God in Corinth, he tells them how he experienced troubles ‘far beyond the ability to endure.’ Have you ever been there? I sure have! You know what I’m talking about – those moments when life seems to be spinning out of control and the feeling that there is no way it can get back on track.
“But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again.”
2 Corinthians 1:9b-10
Paul goes on to explain that his ultimate reliance is in the One True God who has delivered him and will again! He was able to conduct himself with integrity and godly sincerity because of his reliance on God’s grace. He was not searching the world for the solution to his problems or worldly wisdom to try to make sense of them; he trusted in God alone.
This has been a challenge in my life – always wanting to figure out WHY something was happening. What did I do, where did I go wrong – when there are some things that will happen that won’t be able to be reasoned out in the ways of the world.
But when we look to God as our source, He will make everything work out according to His purpose. I’m thankful for the people in my life that continue to remind me of God’s goodness and faithfulness. They encourage me through the way they live as they walk through difficult circumstances and support me in mine.
Years ago I was at church and for a sermon illustration our Pastor (my Father-in-law) had one person go to the grand piano and try to move it. Those things are SO heavy that someone may be able to lift up one side of it, but can’t move it by themselves. After the one person struggled, he had others go around the piano and together they were able to lift the paint and move it.
The same thing is available to us in life when we allow others – with the same purpose – surround us to help us through those moments in life that seem impossible to walk through.
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
Galatians 6:2
We were not created to do life alone! So why do we try to do it by ourselves?! Confide in the people who God has planted in your life to bring you support, love, encouragement, strength, and joy and offer the same back to them!
Heavenly Father, thank You for the support system that You have established called the family! Thank You for the friends and people closest to us that have become like family! Help us to rely on You FIRST and to let down any walls that hinder us from allowing the people around us to help us! In Jesus Name – AMEN!
Be Transformed 