Behold, the LORD’S hand is not so short
    That it cannot save;
         Nor is His ear so dull
       That it cannot hear.

Isaiah 59:1

His socks were covered in bark chips from the playground where he had walked with one shoe off. After a couple of minutes, he sat down and started rubbing the bark chips off his sock in an attempt to put his shoe back on. He is a toddler and was having little success, the bark chips were winning!

I offered to help but he did not want my help. I knew this not because of his words but because he repeatedly pushed my hand away in an effort to do it himself. Finally, he let me do the job he couldn’t do on his own and off he went to play.

As I watched him toddle off, I was reminded of countless times I believed in my own ability and neglected to reach out to the hand God was extending towards me and allow Him to do what I couldn’t.

I can’t make a prodigal child come home.

I can’t convince a loved on to get clean.

I can’t forgive someone without His help.

I can’t be the salt and light He has called me to be on my own.

I can’t be forgiving and loving and gracious on my own.

I can’t drive cancer out of my body or my loved one’s bodies apart from Him.

The list goes on and on. Sometimes, I can’t even remember that His right hand is extended to me and humble myself enough to reach out and hold on. How about you? Do you sometimes forget His hand is extended to you? I would love to hear from you.

Father, forgive me for the numerous times I have refused Your help. Not that I have said no, not in so many words, but that I have neglected to look to You and take what You are offering me for free. Forgive me for my pride and for allowing the busyness to keep me from pausing long enough to receive the help I need. Help me to remember that I can’t give to others what I am unwilling to receive from You. In the precious name of Jesus, amen.