Friday, October 9, 2020

FMF: Help

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened."
(Matthew 7:7-8, NIV)

"You do not have because you do not ask God."
(James 4:23b, NIV)


I'm not good at asking for help.  I never have been.

About fifteen years ago my husband and I went camping with another couple.  We chose a location that was only a few hours from our home and near a moderate size river.  One afternoon we were playing in the river.  My husband, who cannot swim, stayed close to the shore along with our friends.  In my confidence I wandered out a little farther.

There was this strange moment that I still remember and, very likely, always will. I was suddenly uncertain if I retained control of my body.  The river was stronger than I had given it credit.

From his safety near the shore, my husband must have recognized a look in my eyes that even I did not.  "Are you ok?" he asked.

"Yes," I told him, trying to convince myself as much as him.

I was embarrassed by my need for help.  Embarrassed.

Somehow, and maybe only through the grace of God, I got back to safety.  I was shaken, but not swept away. I thought about what could have happened if I had been swept down stream. I immediately knew my response had been foolish. Though my husband was no swimmer, there were three adults who could have prevented what literally could have killed me.  They could have helped me if I had asked.

From time to time we find ourselves in the middle of the rivers of life.  We get caught up in situations we didn't expect, and we are unwilling to ask for help. May we all be a little less foolish next time.



This post is a prompt from Five Minute Friday and was written in approximately five minutes. For more information, visit fiveminutefriday.com.

9 comments:

  1. Wow! I remember when I was a kid, iving into the deep end of a pool...and forgetting how to swim. Went straight to the bottom, and walked to the shallow end. Everyone thought it was a pretty cool act. I played it up that way, but I was scared.

    In a different deep end now.

    I did not expect this mess
    that has become my life;
    cancer's put a stern duress
    on days that now are rife
    with steps that I cannot complete,
    feet halted by the pain,
    and Satan’s effort defeat
    resolve to here remain.
    But through it all there is a Light,
    strong Arms that give me aid,
    and though the outlook isn't bright,
    I am yet unafraid
    for whatever shall betide,
    my faithul God is at my side.

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  2. Pride is a booger, isn't it? Glad you came out of that okay.

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  3. oh the pride lies that we believe! they only keep us from holding tight to our one true help in our time of need. thank you for the reminder to press into Him, rather than listen to the lies of pride.

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  4. That is very much a life lesson learnt! We all do it. I am glad your hear to share your story. God bless x

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  5. Recognising our need is the first step, asking for help, the second - thank God that He is there ready to help, as soon as we reach out! Yes, for the wisdom to reach out....

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  6. Asking for help is difficult, even when its reaching out to God. I had a moment this week that was as if God whispered "why didn't you just talk to me? ask?" At least we can look back and learn from those moments.

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  7. Thanks, Amie, for sharing your personal struggles - both in the river and with your embarrassment. I'm blessed to know I'm not alone with those same struggles. Help! (Karen, FMF #4)

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  8. I was struck by "you do not have because you do not ask" before I even read your post. It made me to stop to ask God for help for somethingI had been struggling with all day. Then I read your story and it also resonated with me. Thank you for sharing. Why do we struggle when we can just ask for help? Lord, help me. FMF #3

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  9. Wow! That must have been a life lesson for sure. Thanks for sharing.
    (visiting from #23)

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