Asking for Help

By Paul Chappell

"They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture. But be not thou far from me, O LORD: O my strength, haste thee to help me. Deliver my soul from the sword; my darling from the power of the dog."

Psalm 22:18-20

During the Spanish-American War, Clara Barton was overseeing the work of the Red Cross in Cuba. One day Colonel Theodore Roosevelt came to her wanting to buy food for his sick and wounded Rough Riders, but she refused to sell him any. Roosevelt was perplexed. His men needed the help and he was prepared to pay out of his own funds. When he asked someone why he could not buy the supplies, he was told, "Colonel, just ask for it!" A smile broke over Roosevelt's face. All he had to do was simply ask.

Human nature has a clear self-reliant gene. From the early days of the world, people have relied on themselves for food, shelter, provision, and survival. When life is threatened, the human body naturally relies on self for preservation. But while the human body looks to itself for help, God desires that His children would look to Him for help.

One of the most common threads of the great believers of the Bible is a humble willingness to ask God for help. Moses needed help to cross the Red Sea. Noah needed help to preserve his family. David needed help to defeat Goliath. Wise men and women have always realized their inability and God's ability.

You can't survive this world without seeking God's help every day. The devil's attacks are real. The world's problems are overwhelming. And the Christian life takes constant asking God for guidance.

How often do you spend time seeking God's help? How reliant are you on Him for help each day? You need God's help every day, and He gladly offers you the full strength of His power for every situation if you only ask.

Today's Rooted Principle:

The sooner you realize your shortcomings and rely on God's strength, the stronger you'll be.