Good morning: I learned a valuable lesson. I was standing in the grocery store aisle when an elderly woman said, “Excuse me. Would you mind getting that jar on the top shelf for me?” I was happy to help. I’ve wondered, though, if I would have done the same if I were in her place. I might have tried to think of some other option than to ask for help. I might have looked for some other brand of the same item on a lower shelf. I don’t always like to ask for help. Have you felt the same way? Do you ask for directions when traveling or do you just keep driving? Maybe it’s a matter of pride. I don’t want to admit that I need help. I might hesitate because I’m not sure how someone might react to my request. Yet as I learned from my own experience, asking for help can provide just what one needs. It’s a sure thing when it comes to our requests of God. James writes, “You do not have, because you do not ask God” (James 4:2). Jesus says, “Ask and it will be given to you” (Matt. 7:7). God is the loving heavenly Father who wants only the best for His children. He loves it when we come and ask for His help. No request is too large. Instead of stubbornly ignoring our guilt, we can come to Him with all our sins against Him and the people around us, ask for His mercy, and hear Him say, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool” (Is. 1:18). No request is too small for His full attention. “Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered” (Lk. 12:7). Many times our prayers for help are answered through the people the Lord places in our lives: parents, friends, healthcare workers, and especially fellow believers. Have you missed out on that help because you didn’t ask? Has someone told you, “Why didn’t you ask? I would have been glad to help? You didn’t have to figure this out on your own?” Knowing that God is always near as our Help moves us to reflect the Savior’s love in helping others. “Carry each other’s burdens” (Gal. 6:2). Sometimes the answer to a problem is as simple as asking for help. Let’s not hesitate to bring all our questions, troubles, and needs to the Lord. Thank Him for the people He provides for our help. Pray that He will give you opportunity today to be His help to others. In Jesus’ name, Pastor Service times tomorrow are 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday school begins at 9:15 and adult Bible class at 9:30 a.m. The Lord’s Supper will be celebrated at both services. The Bible class will continue our study of what God says about Christian fellowship, when it should be terminated, and what is needed to restore it. The public school confirmation class will meet after second service.
