THERE IS HELP ALONGSIDE

THERE IS HELP ALONGSIDE

 Jesus Christ extends an extraordinary privilege and promise to every believer: “Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20b) Wow!  His statement simply suggests that there are no problems, pains, or pressures that will totally overwhelm believing disciples who persistently pursue and practice the presence of the Lord.

 So often, I am encouraged by Christ’s departing decree to his disciples (and by extension to us): “I will not leave you comfortless: I WILL COME TO YOU.” (John 14:18) Since JESUS CHRIST is the High Priest who is intimately involved and constantly concerned, He shows up, every single day and in every life situation, to engage and enlighten us.  Indeed, HE IS THE PARACLETE, the One who walks alongside us for friendship, fellowship, guidance and comfort.  We need not seek alternatives or substitutes because in Christ, “the author and finisher of our faith,” we have THE REAL THING. (Hebrews 12:2) As Jehovah Shammah, “THE LORD IS THERE” with us at all times. (Ezekiel 48:35) These inspiring truths remind me of an intriguing story:

 In a rural area, a poor farmer was tending to Buddy, his horse, when a stranger walked over, desperately in need of the farmer’s help.  This stranger had lost control of his vehicle and ran off into a ditch.  After informing the farmer that his vehicle was quite small, he asked if the horse could pull his car out of the ditch.  The farmer said he would come and look, but would not be able to help if there was any possibility that his horse could be injured.

 The farmer saw that the stranger had assessed the situation correctly and that the vehicle was indeed small, so he fastened a strong rope with one end to the vehicle and the other to his horse.  He was confident that Buddy would be able to pull the car out of the ditch.  But then he did a strange thing.  The farmer shouted, “Pull, Casey, pull,” and the horse would not budge.  The farmer then called out, “Pull, Bailey, pull,” but, again, the horse would not budge.  The farmer then hollered, “Pull, Mandy, pull,” but his horse would not move one inch.  The farmer then said matter-of-factly, “Pull, Buddy, pull,” and his horse quickly pulled the vehicle out of the ditch.  The stranger was most grateful, but puzzled.  He asked the farmer why he had called his horse by four different names.  The farmer replied, “Buddy is blind, and I had to make him think he had a lot of help pulling the car out of the ditch or he might not have pulled at all.”

 Quite interesting and applicable to us, isn’t it?  For whenever we embrace the mistaken notion that we are alone and somehow incapable of accomplishing Christ’s Kingdom mission and mandate on our lives, we too wind up living far beneath our predestined position, power and privilege.  Certainly, we were designed to live in connection and community with others, but we must never forget that the most reliable Source of help is ALMIGHTY GOD.  He is the ever-present Supplier of assistance, encouragement and strength. (Philippians 4:19) No wonder the Psalmist David exclaimed with such commitment and confidence, “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills…my help comes from THE LORD, who made heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:1-2)  

 Point To Ponder: With God’s help, are you pulling your intended weight in your family, in your community and in His Kingdom?

 Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET YOUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!