“…let the weak say, “I am strong.” Joel 3:10
Oftentimes, we feel helpless in being able to resolve or address our own problems and challenges. It’s even more daunting in the consideration of offering assistance towards the issues that plague those who are near such as family and friends and those afar. In our helplessness, the default response may be to turn a blind eye or even a deaf ear to unfavorable circumstances. Although keenly aware of the troubling matter at hand, we choose to ignore it with the hope of it magically disappear. However, it does not, in fact, the matter worsens when not dealt with in the early stage of the occurrence.
Rather than make a proclamation of strength as encouraged in Joel 3:10, many of us choose to dismiss the matter with the risk of great loss. Consider an example of a family member or friend whose behavior mimics a hoarder. The first alert encounter is when the individual’s dwelling is abnormally crowded but you are able to be seated during a visit. The second alert takes place when there is no where to sit, yet the behavior is still overlooked. The loudly screaming alert shows up at the point the dwelling can’t be entered, at this time, helplessness has taken a seat in our hearts with our hands raised in defeat. Even though, the acknowledgment that the family member or friend needs help is realized, but the inner response is what can we do. The “When”, the “How” and the “Why” of helpfulness escapes us when it’s needed most.
“When: A time to tear, And a time to sew; A time to keep silence, And a time to speak;” Ecclesiastes 3:8
There’s a saying that states “Timing is everything.” It’s not unusual for the person in need to be in denial regarding alarming circumstances. The perfect timing is when the offer of help meets with the recognition for assistance is realized. Sometimes we have to wait it out until God prepares the heart of individual to want to receive help. During the wait, we must endeavored to stay in tune to the Spirit of God to hear His instructions. Moreover, by taking a stance to be steadfast, the fruit of long suffering blossoms. To be helpful, it requires that we maintain an aspiration to bear the load of those God has assigned to us. We can pray for everybody but we are assigned to specific persons to aid them in walking out their purpose. As believers, we lean on God for the wisdom of the perfect timing, which yields the will of God in any situation.
How: Let that you do be done with love. I Corinthians 16:14
Love ought to always be the driving force and method when coming to the aid of someone. The motive for any helpful gesture should never be from the premise of self-gratification. In fact, the helper’s expectation is to only receive the satisfaction of fulfilling God’s will.
Why: Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another” Romans 14:19
Building up those in the faith in an ongoing agenda item for all believers. Although, the intensity of the task varies for one believer to the other. Nevertheless, in some manner, the edification of the body of Christ is evident, even if you are only building up yourself in a particular season. In some cases, as a means of witnessing, edification may be extended to those on the outside of the faith. In edification, as we build others, God builds us.
As we live life with God on our side, we should never retreat within the fort of helplessness. God is more than capable to equip us to be transformed from feeling helpless to becoming helpful. As we seek God’s guidance, He strengthens and guides us in a specified manner in which helpfulness will flow. It is in His perfect time when the fruit of our efforts become evident in the lives of others. God brings the increase. We only need to do as the Lord leads to be helpful.
“We are never helpless as long as we continued to lean on God, our everlasting Help”_ASA
Chronicles of ASA 