Heavenly Help

I will help you.  Isaiah 41:10

Dear friends,

Can you remember the last time someone asked you, “How can I help?”  It surely made you sink into your shoes.  The Body of Christ is called to “bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Gal. 6:2) And we often do.  Bring meals to the mourning.  Volunteer at the soup kitchen.  Support and counsel troubled teens.  All noble ministries.  But some of our greatest needs cannot be met by men.  Like wisdom and discernment on your next right step.  Healing of a scarred heart.  Fears about the future.  These burdens can only be lifted by our Maker.  And here’s the good news: He wants to help.  Brother Peter urges the church to “cast all your cares on Him, for He cares for you.”  The prophet Isaiah documents God’s promise: I will help you.

“I will help you.”  God

Ain’t that somethin’.

Do you believe His divine assistance is available for your current concern?  Do you think He cares about your physical well-being as well as your spiritual sanctification?  Is He truly mighty to save?  Will the Holy Spirit assist with your food and fitness struggles?  Can you cast your concern about your weight His way?  Have you confessed your exercise inconsistency because your flesh flounders?  Do you claim and call on the power of His might?  (Eph. 6:10)

Brother Paul prayed that God might give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might. (Eph 1:17-19) Can his prayer cover you today?  Do you know the hope to which He has called you in every situation?  Since Jesus prayed that we would be protected from the evil one (John 17: 15) can you trust He understood this world’s physical trials?  Remember, He’s the One who fasted for 40 days.  He understands food cravings!

Trust Him to bind Satan when you’re about to succumb to sabotage.  But like any good coach, He also may rebuke you when you’ve wavered from your self-care commitment.  The best personal trainers not only provide advice, instruction and encouragement, they give you a swift kick in the rear when you’re draggin’ your wagon.  Remember what Brother Paul wrote to the Hebrews?

   And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?  My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him.  For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.  Heb 12:4-6   

So if you ask God to help you take back your temple, be prepared for a battle, both from Satan (who loves seeing you down and defeated) and your flesh whose DNA detests self-discipline. 

Oh Church, receive your merciful Father’s offer.  “I will help you.”

Live Well,

Grace