“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17
If you’re going to make it through the next day...week..month..year...lifetime...you might need some help. No...maybe I should rephrase that... you can’t do it alone. In fact, you aren’t supposed to. One is too small a number for greatness... and you were wired together to lean on others for support when things get tough. When tough things happen, I suggest three helpers...
First, find someone with a similar situation. I believe that we go through life’s pains so that we can help others suffering in the future. There is someone out there that has endured what you are going through... make the effort to find them. They could be as close as the chair next to you in church, involved in your connect group, or across the table at the family dinner. When you do find them, commit to listening more than talking... writing down what’s important... making the necessary changes of thoughts or actions, and staying accountable... both to God and the person who is trying to help.
Second, bring in some professional help. Need some help sorting things out in your mind? Enlist a Christian counselor. Want to learn how to lose the extra weight? Hire a trainer. In a financial knot and resolve to get out? Enroll in a class and get with a financial advisor. The benefits are priceless. They have worked with hundreds sometimes thousands of other people and their insight as a neutral third party will help greatly in your success. Many people see seeking outside involvement as a weakness. Getting help is NEVER a weak action... in fact... it demonstrates wisdom. However, be vigilant in connecting with the right help... with Godly help. You don’t want to feel like you’re making progress only to discover that you are traveling in the wrong direction!
Third, and most important, stay connected to God Himself. If you are in a relationship with Jesus Christ... He not only wants to help... He’s reaching out His hand for you to take it. How you might ask? Right there in the Bible... page after page of life-steering wisdom just ripe for the reading. He’s there through weekend teaching and worship... He’s there through the advice of a close Christian friend... He’s there when you get quiet and sit down to pray and listen.
You aren’t alone.
Your situation isn’t unique to just you.
There are people who want to help you.
They genuinely care.
God cares even more than they do.
He’ll never leave you nor abandon you.
Want to get sharper? Connect with God and others. You’ll gain perspective, wisdom, confidence, and the ability to see problems for what they are: temporary and seasonal.
You’ve got this.
