Asking For and Receiving Help

He said, "If the Arameans are too strong for me, then you shall help me, but if the sons of Ammon are too strong for you, then I will come to help you. 2 Samuel 10:11 (New American Standard Bible)

A war had been declared against Israel based solely on false accusation and suspicion. When David sought to extend comfort to the king of the Ammonites after the death of his father, his actions came into question and the new king hired 20,000 Aramean foot soldiers to join him in battle against Israel. His plan ended in defeat but today’s verse has captured my attention, because it shed’s light on an aspect of the body of Christ that I have often struggled to grasp.

Just as I spent decades with skewed thinking in regards to God and what He is really like, I have spent recent years with skewed thinking in regards to living out the Christian life….particularly when it comes to seeking advice and help from other Christians versus complete reliance on God alone. In my mind it often became an “either or” scenario. Victory meant God alone and if I dared to confide in a fellow believer it meant I was failing. At the same time, I knew the verses that spoke of encouraging one another and praying for one another. A conversation with a friend last night and an email from another friend later in the evening both assured me that this aspect of the body of Christ was meant to be embraced by me. Not feared! Not denied! Not kept at arm’s length!

God in His graciousness has once again used His Word to give me the “permission” and freedom I am needing. When I read the words “too strong” and “help me” I knew they were meant for me. My personal internal battles are not meant to be fought independent of the believers God places in my life. Ultimately HE is the One who will set me free in areas of bondage and strongholds but He has also strategically placed “foot soldiers” across my path to be His hands, mouth piece, and heart to me. I dare not continue to say, “Thank you but no thank you” to the One who is so readily offering me His help through people. Their help, encouragement, and counsel is available if I will but reach out and accept it. May God help each of us to ask for and offer help when the things we “fight” are too strong for us. God does not call any of us to be totally isolated soldiers in His Kingdom work!

Father, I once again open myself up to receive what You are graciously providing to me through Your children. May my walls of resistance and fear fall as I ask for and receive their help. Amen.