“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 ESV
I once heard my uncle tell my mom a story about a man stuck on his rooftop after the town had flooded. He prayed and believed God would rescue him. A neighbor came by in a canoe and asked the man if he wanted to get in, to which he replied, “no thank you, God will rescue me.” Some time later, police arrived in a boat and offered to help the man. Again, the man turned down the help saying, “I have faith God will save me.” Then a helicopter flew overhead and let down the rope. The pilot exclaimed through the loudspeaker, “the waters are rising, grab this rope so I can pull you to safety!” “No, thank you said the man. I’m sure God will save me.” The waters rose and the man ultimately drowned. When he got to Heaven, he asked God, “why didn’t you save me? I believed you would!” And God said, “I sent you a canoe, a boat, and a helicopter.”
God uses people and sends them to places of need. It’s been his strategy since the beginning:
God sent Eve to Adam observing that it was not good for man to be alone (Genesis 2:4-3:24)
God sent Jonathan to David to assist him when Jonathan’s father Saul was persecuting David (1 Samuel 20)
God sent Abner to David to transfer rule of Israel so David could be king over the entire nation (2 Samuel 3:6-21)
God sent Elijah to the house of the widow who fed him with the last of her flour and oil during the drought (1 Kings 17: 7-6)
God sent Ananias to Saul (Paul) so Ananias could restore Paul’s eyesight empowering him to spread the gospel (Acts 9:1-22)
God sent the sinner Mary with the alabaster box to anoint Jesus before His crucifixion and burial (Matthew 26:6–13; Mark 14:3–9; Luke 7:36–50; John 12:1–8)
Yes, God is always a very present help in the time of trouble. More often than not, when we find ourselves in situations where we need rescuing, support, or help, God will use people. The church is a body of believers not a physical space. And guess what y’all, denomination does not matter; Christ does!
I don’t think I really understood the magnitude of the story my uncle shared. We are not meant to “grin and bear” alone. In fact the Word says we should bear one another’s burdens. (Galatians 6:2) Next time you think to go it alone, remember God’s way is relationships.
Someone unexpected might cross your path. Maybe He’ll bring someone to mind that you should contact. Whatever situation you may be in, no matter how great or small, don’t discount the fact that God’s help may be through another human. Be watchful and waiting so you don’t miss out on the help He sends because you expected it to come another way!
Reflection
How am I seeking God’s help? In what ways am I expecting Him to respond? Are there people in my life who God might use to be my help? How can I be more sensitive to the Spirit and discern the people God wants to use in my life?
Prayer
Lord, thank you for always being there in my time of need. Forgive me of the times I failed to recognize how You were sending people to help me. Open my eyes to see Your Presence and hand in everyday occurrences so I don’t miss what You have for me. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Photo by Perry Grone on Unsplash
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