When I was younger, I thought I had to do everything by myself. I believed that seeking help from others would bring glory to human beings rather than to God. However, over the years I realized that God created me and placed me among people—family, friends, and community—because I need them.
I learned that accepting help is a way of acknowledging that I cannot handle everything on my own. I need God and the help of those around me. Over the years, I have seen God work in my life through the heartfelt embrace of a friend. He has met my needs through people I did not expect. Sometimes, He even comforted me through the kindness of a stranger. God's ways are mysterious.
In Judges, ch. 1, vs. 1 – 10, Judah asks his brother Simeon for help in the battle against the Canaanites. "Then the men of Judah said to their brothers, the men of Simeon, 'Come up with us into the territory allotted to us, that we may fight against the Canaanites. We will also fight with you into the territory allotted to you'" (Judges, ch. 1, vs. 3*). While they fight side by side, God grants them victory. The Lord often extends His hand to us through our family or community. It's good to ask for help and also to assist those around us. When we do this, we participate in God's miracles.
Link to the original article: https://www.upperroom.org/devotionals/en-2023-08-09
*Bible quotes are from Bible, new translation from the original languages © Bulgarian Bible Society 2013