“Look what I did!” declares the proud preschooler, pointing to a plate of chocolate chip cookies. Except she didn’t make them—not without a lot of help.
Nana read the recipe; she couldn’t read yet.
Nana gathered most of the ingredients; the child couldn’t reach up into the cabinets.
Nana picked the eggshell-pieces out of the bowl after exuberant egg-tapping on the rim.
Nana helped to accurately measure ingredients and thoroughly scrape the bowl.
Nana adjusted the dollops of dough on the cookie sheet, making them similar-sized for even baking.
Nana put the cookies in the oven and later retrieved them, then set them on cooling racks so little hands didn’t get burned.
And yet the preschooler thinks she made the cookies.
We might chuckle at her unrealistic view of the circumstances, until the realization dawns: we’ve exhibited our own unrealistic view of our circumstances with God.
Perhaps, like me, you’ve run ahead of God, assuming you can handle the challenge ahead. I’ve also been guilty of taking credit when, in reality, my efforts would be worthless without him.
Truth be told, not a moment goes by that God is not helping us in one way or another.
Sometimes his help is demonstrated in monumental ways, as he attends to situations outside our range of capability or influence. I’ve written about such experiences in our family.*
Sometimes God comes alongside in ways that are more easily overlooked. For example:
- One of those times when I was plagued by writer’s block, I sensed God telling me, “Wait till morning. Rest.” Immediately upon waking, an idea occurred.
- God settled a bout of sciatica, and I was able to accomplish everything necessary before house guests arrived.
- Joy-filled, supportive friendships have spanned the years of our lives.
- Sometimes God brings to mind a bit of his wisdom or an anecdote to share, and the listener expresses sincere appreciation.
- Those close calls on the roadways offer perfect examples of his intervention.
- On occasion, sacred insight comes in the form of a quote:
Oh yes, I need God’s help not to become proud (“Look how God has blessed ME!”), greedy (“Thanks for your all blessings, Lord, but I need this too!”), or take for granted God’s benevolence and never thank him at all.
In addition, God would have us understand:
His help often comes gradually. Think of:
- Joseph, languishing in prison until Pharoah calls for him to interpret his dream (Exodus 39:19-41:43)
- David, living as a fugitive until God fulfills his promise to make him king (1 Samuel 16-31; 2 Samuel 1-2)
- The Israelite captives, waiting in Babylon for God to raise up a leader (Nehemiah 1-2)
Remember:
He often helps when we least expect it.
Think of:
- The widow of Zarephath, expecting to die during famine—until the prophet Elijah arrives (1 Kings 17:7-16)
- Daniel, expecting to die in the lions’ den–until God shut their mouths (Daniel 6)
- Jonah, expecting to die within the great fish—until his release on dry ground (Jonah 2)
In addition:
God’s help always comes to those with faith.
The psalmists offer a starter-list of affirmations:
- “Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you” (Psalm 37:5 NLT).
- “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1 NIV).
- “My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:2).
May we live by such truths, and when help materializes, may we be quick to proclaim, “Look with GOD did!”
How has God helped you? Please share in the comments below!
* Examples include: Come and See What God Has Done, After the Fact, and God of the Unexpected (see the illustration at the end for this last one).
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