Helpers

Helpers

“The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart triumphs, and with my song I shall thank Him.” Psalm 28:7 NASB

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news,” my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’” Fred Rogers/Mr. Rogers

You heard the story of the man stranded on his rooftop after a great flood. A man with a rowboat came to help, a man with a canoe and a man flying a helicopter, but the man turned them down because he was waiting for God to rescue him. Of course, God told him he sent a rowboat, a canoe, and a helicopter but the man did not believe these came from God.

Our Father sends us Helpers. Of course, the Holy Spirit is our comforter, the adviser who guides and prays for us. But the Father has sent us human helpers too. When I was a troubled adolescent, at just the right time, a counselor came to help. After my divorce, a Bible study teacher who went through a divorce came to comfort and guide me. Looking back, many life preservers have come to help me. Like the Apostle Paul, “I thank God for you, making mention of you in my prayers…”

We become Helpers. Especially when we remember every encounter is holy and pleasing to the Father. No matter our careers, disabilities, finances or losses, we’ve been helped. We can help at work, at church, and in our communities. No title or degree is required. Paul reminds us to comfort others with the comfort the Father gave us. We’re the Father’s Helpers.

Musings

When I’ve helped another, my heart sings! Maybe not right away but it will. It doesn’t matter if those I helped or encouraged thank me. It’s the Father’s approval and furthering His will and my growth that truly matters.  And it lasts. Jesus healed nine lepers and only one thanked Him and was a gentile! The gentile was praised. What a compliment!

Prayer

Dear Father,

You are our Help and Protection! We can’t see what lies ahead but we trust You with all our hearts. Help us to ease burdens, lift up others, praise others and with many thanks to You.

We promise to be helpers.

Amen.