How often when someone is struggling or having a bad day is this statement used? But when you think about it, is it really something that is true?
Before people begin reporting me for discouraging God, know that I do believe God does amazing things and that we do have to have faith in him and trust in his will - but sometimes just saying that we trust and rely on him is not enough. We actually have to do something about it. To take hold of the opportunities that are given to us. It reminds me of a joke I heard quite a while ago:
I know from personal experience, telling a person to rely on God, if they are already struggling and while they are possibly blaming God for the bad things in their life or for not making things better is just going to push them further away. What brought me back was the amazing kindness and support I received from some of my friends who let the light of God work through them.
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.
Before people begin reporting me for discouraging God, know that I do believe God does amazing things and that we do have to have faith in him and trust in his will - but sometimes just saying that we trust and rely on him is not enough. We actually have to do something about it. To take hold of the opportunities that are given to us. It reminds me of a joke I heard quite a while ago:
There was a huge storm with a flood, everyone told John to get to higher ground but he just said, No, God will save me.
The flood came up to his porch, and some men came by in a canoe and said get in, John, we'll help you get to higher ground. John just said no, God will save me.
The flood came halfway up his first floor, a motor boat came by and the driver said John get in the boat before you Die. John said God will save me.
The flood was now up to the second floor and the coast guard came by in their cutter and ordered him into the boat, John again insisted God would save him.
Finally when the flood was just below the peak of roof of his house a helicopter came to get him. No John insisted God would save him.
The next day John was dead and met God. Angrily he shouted, I believed! Why didn't you save me!? John,. God answered quietly, I sent a canoe, two boats and a helicopter.
There are times when we need to rely on God but I think a thing that most people forget is that God works through opportunities and often other people as well. We are all called to help other people and support them in times of need, giving time, effort and comfort - not always telling people to just rely on God, especially when many people don't know exactly what that means.The flood came up to his porch, and some men came by in a canoe and said get in, John, we'll help you get to higher ground. John just said no, God will save me.
The flood came halfway up his first floor, a motor boat came by and the driver said John get in the boat before you Die. John said God will save me.
The flood was now up to the second floor and the coast guard came by in their cutter and ordered him into the boat, John again insisted God would save him.
Finally when the flood was just below the peak of roof of his house a helicopter came to get him. No John insisted God would save him.
The next day John was dead and met God. Angrily he shouted, I believed! Why didn't you save me!? John,. God answered quietly, I sent a canoe, two boats and a helicopter.
I know from personal experience, telling a person to rely on God, if they are already struggling and while they are possibly blaming God for the bad things in their life or for not making things better is just going to push them further away. What brought me back was the amazing kindness and support I received from some of my friends who let the light of God work through them.
A despairing man should have the devotion of his friends, even though he forsakes the fear of the Almighty. ~ Job 6:14
Please try to remember that next time someone comes to you struggling. Yes, it may be easier to tell them to rely on God and send them on their way - but will it really help them or just drive them further away? Remember Proverbs 17:17:
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.
