There are times when we really need help!
That need may arise
because we find ourselves caught up in disaster–such as the terrible
plight we have witnessed in the devastating tidal waves of Asia; or the
hurricanes in the southeastern United States; or the heart-rending
starvation in parts of Africa; or the countless other traumas that
continue to scar this earth with unrelenting persistence.
Many
governments, as well as individuals, have generously responded with
help for those who could not help themselves, but the need is simply
greater than either the willingness or the ability of those who can
help.
In that massive landscape of trouble, we might feel helpless–but that is not the case at all! Not for those who serve God!
Note
what God says–a statement that we need to be reminded of, especially
when we need help: “‘Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is
there anything too hard for Me?'” (Jeremiah 32:27).
Among many
Psalms that reveal God as our Helper, one by the sons of Korah is
particularly reassuring: “God is our refuge and strength, A very
present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the
earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of
the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains
shake with its swelling” (Psalm 46:1-3).
Add to this the
confirmation that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, now stands as our High
Priest: “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we
may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).
Sadly,
this world and its inhabitants in this age of Satan’s rule do not have
this help (Compare Ephesians 2:11-13; 1 John 5:19; John 18:36). But it
is different for those whom God has called out of this world.
Considering this contrast of Satan’s rule to our unparalleled promises,
we have reason for hope in times of need. However, along with this
comes responsibility to fulfill our own calling by being willing to
help–to do as Jesus did by doing our part in proclaiming the good news
of God’s Kingdom to this world–and to continue teaching those who
respond.
Speaking of the time that immediately precedes God’s
intervention in order that He might help and save this world, this is
stated: “He saw that there was no man, And wondered that there was no
intercessor…” (Isaiah 59:16); Also: “‘I looked, but there was no one
to help, And I wondered That there was no one to uphold…'” (Isaiah
63:5).
That indictment testifies to the utter helplessness of a
world that will soon face its own destruction, should God not intervene
to save it! The way we can help (and find help for ourselves) is to
continue to proclaim the wonderful truth and the certain hope that God,
with whom all things are possible, ultimately will give this world the
greatest possible help–He “will wipe away every tear from their eyes;
there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no
more pain…” (Revelation 21:4).
