A few weeks ago a capsized ship forces a group of mariners to swim to a nearby island, where they fought to survive while hoping desperately for a rescue effort from civilization. Three men not only found themselves stranded on such an island, but digging trenches on the beach to spell out the giant letters
“H-E-L-P.”
Unlike the majority of these true stories, however, it actually worked! A U.S. Navy plane saw the letters and notified nearby authorities to rescue them. The men were waving their orange life jackets when the Navy plane spotted them on the small island of Fanadik, several hundred miles north of Papua New Guinea. Two hours later they were rescued by a small local boat that picked them up and took them to a hospital.
Sometimes everyday life it can seem like our prayers to God are about as effective as spelling out giant letters in the sand, ‘HELP’ hoping somebody “up there” will see them. Like these three guys we want to be rescued right away or our problems solved now or at least really soon. Here’s the problem and here is the quick solution, but God sees thing differently. Yet, scripture tells us that God knows what we need, even before we ask—especially when we need to be rescued. God’s lifesaver is thrown out to us in two ways.
Admit you need HELP from God
Honestly cry out to God for help in your time of need.
Listen to my words, Lord, consider my lament O LORD, hear my plea, and listen to my cry for help. Pay attention to my prayer, for it comes from an honest heart…Hurry with your answer, God I’m nearly at the end of my rope. Don’t turn away; don’t ignore me! Psalm 5:1; 17:7;143:7
The psalmist is real, not phony and pietistic, but honest with himself and God, he’s asking for God’s help and not trying to do it all by himself. God is never too busy to hear your story. He is always listening to you.
Let Others HELP You
When were in dire straits we need to reach out. If you’re a perfectionist or a recovering one, you might think if you want a job well done you got to do it yourself. Even though Jesus was perfect he didn’t try to do ministry by himself. He appointed the twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach. Mark 3:14
Do you think Jesus could preach better than the disciples? Of course, but he needed them. If Jesus needed help from others, what does that say about you and me? Stress tells you, “you got to do it yourself, you’ll handle it.” A lot of the times help is just a prayer and a few feet away. Unfortunately, our pride and insecurity keeps us for asking for help.
One of the ways God helps us to face our problems is not facing them alone. Let wise and trustworthy friends help you. By helping each other with your troubles, you truly obey the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2
It’s humbling to admit, “I need help,” but you’re like everybody else – you need help. We all experience times when we need HELP, there are no exemptions. Let God and His people help you.
