Were you raised to be independent?
Taught to think for yourself? Taught to take care of your own problems and solve them?
I sure was.
But there have been times when I have faced the overwhelming feeling of utter helplessness. Notice I said, “feeling.” Being a feeling, the helplessness was no less real to me at the time.
If you stop and think about it, what can you really control? What can you do in many instances that rear up to threaten you and yours?
I must have some kind of warrior blood. I’m ready to stand up to threats, problems and trouble with something! I want to act. I want to fix it. I want to protect.
So, what makes a person feel helpless? Early in life, not being strong enough or big enough to do things made me feel helpless. I was a horse rider and I had to maintain control of my big gelding. When he decided to be stubborn, I certainly wasn’t big enough to “make” him obey. He had to be willing to let me control him. We could usually work our struggles out, and I was able to use the reins, a few kicks and maybe a light quirt slap to convince him.
I found out people and groups and classrooms of students have to allow you as a teacher or leader to have influence and control of the group. There has to be a relationship of granting control from the group to the leader. But what if the group says, “No!” and doesn’t allow you to lead and direct. Well, there you have it. A kind of helplessness to teach, direct and enable in the right direction
The worst helplessness I have suffered is in the face of death: death of my first husband in a car wreck, death of my father, death of my mother, death of my youngest son. I was so helpless! Broken, and helpless. I needed to see them and talk to them, one more time! There was no way I could open that door of death they had passed through to get to them no matter how hard I tried.
But my faith stood up and shouted out at me: “In the Lord alone are deliverance and strength.” (Isaiah 45:24) The Lord delivered me from the paralyzing grief. The Lord can give you strength for any situation — sickness, ice storms and financial ruin.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?” Our faith and salvation through Christ’s sacrifice and grace will open the doors of death because He conquered death as He rose again. I will see these loved ones again! In Christ I can survive!
Feelings aren’t faith. Don’t be deceived by your feelings.
“But I can’t do anything!” you may shout.
Oh, yes, you can! Pray to the powerful God of the universe in faith for Him to act!
Give the control to Him. Give the reins to Him. Give the feelings to Him and ask Him to give you more faith!
Act by praying!
