*THEME: HELP FROM ABOVE*
*TOPIC: DO I NEED HELP?*
*INTRODUCTION*
It is said that “no man is an island” and no one is meant to through life alone. From the beginning of creation, God said, “it is not good for man to be alone” and after all the responsibility of naming the creatures and dominion was given to man, God went on to say, “I will make him a helper comparable to him”. Gen. 2:18 (NKJV). This has been the default design of human, we need help. But in what aspect of life do we need help and why is there a need for help?
As we look further into the theme: Help from above, with the background of “the true helper”, I pray we will access divine help in Jesus name, Amen.
*WHERE DO I NEED HELP?*
*In spiritual matters*: We need spiritual strength. Prov. 18:10, Ps. 9:9-10, Isa. 41:40, Ps. 34:10b, Ex. 15:2
In the Christian race: Amos 4:11, Amos 5:4
Spiritual help gives us:
-Rest and peace of mind: Ps. 32:7-8, Isa. 26:3-4, Deut. 31:8, Phil. 4:6
-Hope: Isa. 43:1-3, Ps. 145:18-19, Heb. 4:16
*In physical matters*:
-Help for healing: 1Pet.5:10, James 5:14-15, Matt. 8:1-3, Matt. 9:20-22. We call on Jesus for our healing, we call on our spiritual leaders to intercede for us when we need healing.
-Help for provision: Gal. 6:2. Everyone at one point or the other needs assistance. We go through varying sizes of obstacles and we need help.
- *In mental/emotional matters*: Many of us go through anxiety and depression from life’s burdens. They can be overwhelming but the right help at the right time can give relief. God’s help can come in the form of a counsellor, a friend or an inspiration. We have assurance that no evil report can stand compared to God’s plan for us. John 8:44, 2Cor.10:5.
*WHY SHOULD I ASK FOR HELP?*
When you find yourself backed into a corner, that precarious feeling of overwhelm tends to take over. Some of us find it difficult to ask for help, partly because we don’t know we need help.
-Asking for help breaks down walls: There are interpersonal and intrapersonal walls. The latter exists solely within our minds and are the hardest to crumble. They are invisible walls erected in our minds to protect our inner selves. Asking for help causes those walls to crumble. Many valued and lasting relationships are formed from those two words: *help me*.
-Asking for help solicits compassion: Don’t be afraid to tell the true story of what’s happening in your life because there are true/sincere helpers out there looking for who to help. Understand that it is okay to feel less perfect at times. No one is truly perfect and a helper, even God, is drawn to our needs when we are open/authentic about it and suppress our ego and façade of self-sufficiency. (Why help someone who shows he doesn’t need help?)
-Asking for help creates connection – explain
-Asking for help compels contribution
-Asking for help invites solace: The human mind processes up to 60,000 thoughts per day, some thoughts are repeated and negative. This internal turmoil creates a scarcity of mindset and attracts negative things into our lives. *“Think and you shall become”*. But when you ask for help, it gives you peace of mind and solace in those dark hours. No one is going to criticize you for asking for help, if they do, shame on them, not you. God will never ridicule us when we sincerely ask for his help.
*HOW DO I ASK FOR HELP?*
In Jesus name: John 14:13-14
In righteousness: 1John 1:9
In humility: Admit your inadequacy.
In sincerity: be specific
In wisdom: James 1:5
In respect
In trust
In patience
In consideration: Timing is everything when asking from man
Finally, *Give help!* Be a helper in whatever capacity you can.
*QUESTIONS/DISCUSSION:*
-Do I really need help? Yes or No, explain reasons
-What do I need help with?
-Do I deserve to be helped and what qualifies me for help?
-Why have I not received the help I seek?
-What do I do while waiting for help?
-“Heaven helps those who help themselves” – What is the position of Christians on this statement?
*IN CONCLUSION*
We need help in every aspect of our lives, whether we know it or not. Help brings accelerated accomplishment (Law of synergy 1 + 1 = > 2). When we humble ourselves and ask God for help, he puts his resources at our disposal and sends a helper – you are also a helper to someone.
Don’t be afraid/ashamed to ask for help, let others in, let God in. Reveal the true story, relay the struggles no matter if it is mental, emotional, financial, spiritual, relationship or anything, ask for help.
You will receive help from above today in Jesus name. Amen.
