My mom currently resides in an assisted living facility near Pittsburgh. When she and my dad moved there in 2021, they were issued pendants to have with them at all times. The instructions were simply to press the button to alert the staff when assistance was needed and they would come.
Pushing the Button
As my mom’s health declines, there is greater need for assistance. The staff, as well as her family, frequently reminds her to push the button when she needs help. Does she? Well, on occasion, she has, but not often. She has to be REALLY desperate because she hates to bother anyone. One recent episode was certainly cause for requesting assistance, but she never pushed the button. It never occurred to her. To that, we shake our heads 🤦🏽♀️, roll our eyes 🙄, or both!
Asking for Assistance
God pointed out that, in spite of my disbelief that my mom didn’t request help, I’m not so different. I wonder if He is up there shaking His head or rolling His eyes at me? Possibly! When trouble comes my way, do I call on God for help? Yes, but if I’m being honest, that’s not always my first response. Sometimes He is my last resort rather than my first option. Like my mom, I am often guilty of trying to handle it on my own first.
The Holy Spirit, A Built-In Helper
Did you know that God offers “assisted living” through the Holy Spirit? Unlike my mom and her pendant, we don’t even have to remember to take it with us. When I professed Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I was gifted with the Holy Spirit, an internal helper that I have access to 24/7. The same is true for you. Pushing a button isn’t even necessary. We simply need to call out for help.
Then you will call to the Lord, and he will answer you. You will cry out to him, and he will say, “Here I am.”
Isaiah 58:9 ERV
I can just hear my former pastor saying, “It’s simple, but it ain’t easy!” Why? Is it because, like my mom, we don’t want to bother Him? Or maybe our pride leads us to believe we can handle it ourselves. Perhaps both!
Jesus has this to say…
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
John 15:5 NIV
Won’t you please join me for a slice of humble pie? God never created us to be self-sufficient, but rather, to depend on and trust in Him. Like the staff at my mom’s assisted living facility, He stands ready to help, if we just ask.
“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.”
Psalms 46:1 NLT
Let’s not hesitate to pray for assistance from our built-in Helper. God is not bothered when we come to Him. Instead, He is delighted!
He led me to a place of safety; he rescued me because he delights in me.
Psalms 18:19 NLT
Amen! I am guilty of not pushing the help button when I need it.
Thank you, for writing this and reminding us.
Amen! I am guilty of not pushing the help button when I need it.
Thank you, for writing this and reminding us.
Polly I hink that is one of your very best. I just loved it.❤️
I thought that analogy was very inspiring!!!
I had to laugh……
..because I think I’m just the opposite!!! I’m always pushing the button!!!
I seem to seek Him first and ask for His help before asking others…..
He’s always available!!!! PTL!!!
Oh Polly…this so ‘hits home’ for me. Thank you for sharing…beautifully written…