Helping
makes everybody feel good, especially when it’s recognized and gratefully accepted.
Certain
people are easy to help: their needs are simple and simply met. Comfort, peace, worldly things that allow
them to live in ease, even if just for a short time – we know what they
need. Sometimes they tell us, and often,
a helper and one who is helped are matched up, making the process smoother for
everyone.
But
what if a need is not so easily named?
What about people who hide their needs, or don’t present themselves to
receive? What if they don’t cry out for
help?
We
don’t have to be mind-readers to know when people are suffering. If we know them well, we know their stories. We read the pain on their
faces. We ask them what we can do and
they say ‘nothing’ – they think they are too far gone. Worse, they get angry with us when we suggest
what we can do for them. Leave me alone,
they say. You can’t do anything. Just forget about it. I need to handle it by myself.
The
brush-off hurts. It’s alarming. We can’t forget about it. What else can we do? How can we help?
In
a busy culture, it’s hard to be idle when we can clearly see what needs to be
done. The trouble is, what we think and
what is required are not always the same.
Sometimes
the hardest work is to step away from suffering and admit that tangible efforts
to help aren’t helpful.
We
can force ourselves into situations where our presence gets in the way of a
person’s healing, or we can finally understand that we are not helping at all. What we need to realize is that God uses us for
his work. When
we feel we have used up our store of helpfulness, God is there to provide.
Sometimes,
all we can do is pray. We lift up the
needy to him, and ask him for help on their behalf. We present ourselves to God as helper, and he
shows us what else we can do. It might
be as subtle as love and awareness. We
might not be able to help using our own strength, but when we draw close to God,
he may reveal what others need. Our helpfulness becomes God-led. Imagine how much more we can do with his power
working through us every single time. Even if it’s just praying.
Our
role in others’ lives is to be available to God so that he can tell us what to
do. In this way, our help is from him. Then we can be sure our efforts are helping.
*******
In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to
see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Matthew 5:16
Such an important message. So true. Sometimes the best and only way to help is in prayer.
ReplyDeleteAnd one I tend to forget. Which is silly, because it removes the burden readily.
DeleteThis is really heartfelt and thoughtful, thought-provoking. I always want to help others (sometimes when maybe they don't even want it). I've learned to look to God and wait for direction and make sure I'm actually being helpful.
ReplyDeleteI've learned that, too... over and over. God is infinitely patient with each of us, isn't he?
DeletePrayer is definitely the best help sometimes... and often, the only hope. Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteYou've got it. It's easy to pray when we're far away from a need. It is the close-up need that is hard to remove ourselves and say "at least I can pray." I always seem to want to put my hands in the middle of it. Thanks for the encouragement. xo
DeleteSuch truth... sometimes we just have to sit back and pray!
ReplyDeleteIf I only could remember it every time. :)
DeleteAmen. Sometimes we have to step back and let God do His work.
ReplyDeleteSo true. And yet so hard to keep in the front of our minds, sometimes.
DeleteOh yes! Loved this-----> "But what if a need is not so easily named? What about people who hide their needs, or don’t present themselves to receive? What if they don’t cry out for help?" You are so right to recognize these hidden hurts and quiet aching hearts. And you are also so wise to remind us that not every brilliant idea we have to help is welcomed or the right thing. God always directs our steps when we ask Him, but I also believe He delights in every beautiful intention and will honor our hearts to help, even if it's just being on our knees in some situations. I have to stop myself sometimes from doing more damage than good by inserting myself into places where help is needed but, no matter how close I am to the situation, I may not be the one He sent. Beautiful reflections! Thank you…it is such a good reminder!
ReplyDeleteI often am on the other side of this - I don't help when I could probably do something. It's a delicate position, to want to be used by God. We don't always know the right thing to do. But we can be sure that in every situation, he is teaching us what he wants for us.
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