REFUSING HELP

(1 Corinth. 12:7 ~ Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.)

In 1869, John Roebling dreamed of building a massive bridge over the East River from Brooklyn to Manhattan. Unfortunately, at the outset of the project, his foot was crushed in an accident. In the recovery process, Roebling insisted he knew best and took charge of his own medical care. After refusing help, he began to show signs of tetanus. Before long, Roebling’s jaw had knocked into a permanent smile. Seizures and dementia plagued him until his death weeks later.

The Bible records a story about an independent person who balked at the help offered to him. Naaman, a great warrior of Syria, suffered from leprosy. He sought out the prophet Elisha for healing but had preconceived ideas about how the healing should take place. So when Elisha sent his messenger to tell him to wash himself in the Jordan River seven times, Naaman was enraged. But Naaman’s own servants gave him the wise advice: “My Father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, ‘Wash and be cleansed’!” (1 Kings 5:13). And so Naaman followed the prophet’s simple instructions, and his leprosy was cured. (…and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy. -1 Kings 5:14).

God gives us gifts to aid each other (1 Corinth. 12:7). But self-sufficiency shuts the door on much-needed help. Let’s be open to the helping hand He provides. –Dennis Fisher

The Lord extends His gracious hand
To those in desperate need,
He lifts them up, He helps them stand
Through caring saints and loving deeds. –D. De Haan

[read- 2 Kings 5:1-14]

THE FIRST STEP IN GETTING HELP IS HUMILITY