Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Need Help?



I'm not sure how it happened. We were preparing to film another episode for Life Lessons, and I had run upstairs to get a towel to block some unwanted sunlight. I wasn't paying attention as I hurried back downstairs, and before I knew it, I was on the floor - with my right foot bent underneath me. Somehow, I had miscalculated how many stairs I'd come down, and stepped out thinking I was at the bottom of the staircase. With nothing but air to greet my extended leg, I pitched forward, landing on the top of my foot. Needless to say, nothing was filmed that day!

Remember the classic fainting spells on your favorite cartoons? I have to admit, they're pretty accurate. As I sat on the floor, propped up against the wall, I did indeed see stars and it was difficult to hear over the roaring noise that had taken up residence in my ears. Whatever I had done to my foot couldn't be good.

My husband, Steve, to the rescue! Although he didn't SEE me fall, he HEARD it. As I struggled to remain conscious, he was convinced that a trip to the doctor would be a good thing. I was in full agreement - I knew I needed help. Steve's calm demeanor helped me stay focused. Within just a couple of minutes, he had grabbed my purse and shoes and was ready to carry me out to the car.
   
I've battled weak ankles all my life. The good news? The x-rays showed no broken bones. I had only sprained my ankle. Armed with crutches and the determination to be more alert in the future, we made the drive back home.

There's a bigger truth here. Each one of us goes through life focused on our own plans. At some point, something happens and we're faced with the truth: life isn't all about me, and my life won't last forever. We realize we're NOT in control, and in fact, we need help. God's Word sheds light on our condition, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God," (Romans 3:23; KJV).

A decision needs to be made. Will we admit our sinful condition and our need for the Savior? Or will we stubbornly insist on doing things our own way, denying any need for help? The choice is ours. Will we put our faith in ourselves or in the Savior?

Jesus already died on the cross to pay the sin debt for all mankind. He's finished the work that allows you to be reconciled to a holy God. Will you have faith in His atoning work? "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation," (Romans 10:9-10).

When I hurt my ankle, I knew I couldn't make it to the doctor on my own. I was grateful my husband was able to help me. If you're on life's proverbial 'floor,' and you don't know Jesus, are you willing to trust in Him today? He'll give you a life full of meaning and purpose as you serve Him, and an eternal home in heaven.

If you already know Jesus as your Savior, will you share Him with someone today?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your grace and mercy in my life. Thank You for giving me Your Word that shows me the truth - I'm a sinner. How wonderful to know that You love me, and paid my sin debt, so I can be reconciled to God. Help me share You with others today. In Jesus' name, Amen.

7 comments:

  1. Asking for help is something that I have a problem with at times, but I know that I can always ask God for help without the fear of rejection. I have been on life's "floor" many times, but encouraged in knowing that it is not how many times I have fallen, but how many times I pick my self up (with His help). I also find myself alot more willing to open up about my faith and share the goodness of God in my life. Thanks for this post Maria!

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    1. KC - Always appreciate your comments! Great to hear you rely on God to help you back up when you've fallen. And sharing your faith with others is HUGE! Keep it up! Have a great week serving the Lord!

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  2. Great post, Maria! On Wednesdays, our church as been studying the beatitudes, and our pastor demonstrated how they all hinged on and flowed from, "Blessed are the meek." Being meek doesn't mean deprecating ourselves, nor is it false humility or stretching across the ground like a doormat. It is honestly evaluating ourselves in light of God's holiness and understanding our utter dependence on Him. Once we do that, the other beatitudes flow easier. :)

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    1. Jen - Thanks for sharing this wonderful definition of meekness. Especially like the part, "It is honestly evaluating ourselves in light of God's holiness and understanding our utter dependence on Him." That's where I need to camp out! Have a blessed week, my friend!

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  3. Oh, what a great reminder. If only we would be as willing to ask God for help as we are the doctor.

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    1. Joanne - Great to see you! Sometimes we're so stubborn aren't we? I'm glad the Lord knows exactly what I need to keep relying on Him! Have a great week! God bless!

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  4. Great parallel, Maria. Yep, we can end up on the "floor" at times - and thanks for the challenge to share Christ with others. Hope your foot is feeling much better:)

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