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“Don’t Get Stuck. Ask For Help!”
As a young man, I often heard my father say, “Don’t get stuck.” When I heard that phrase, I knew exactly what he was telling me. He didn’t want me to get my truck (his truck) stuck in the mud, especially in the middle of nowhere. He was warning me so that I would protect the vehicle, but also because he didn’t want to be inconvenienced by coming to get me unstuck. It may have happened once…or twice. I don’t remember.
Sometimes it takes another person to get us unstuck. Yes, I may be referring to your attempt two weeks ago to cross the flooded road in a passenger car. You may, indeed, need to call me to help you get your vehicle unstuck. I probably can help you with that! But, I doubt that’s what you’re calling about. You are likely calling because your computer or phone kicked you out after multiple failed login attempts and you need someone to help. Good luck on that one. Call someone else.
I don’t get stuck very often but it does happen. I get stuck with technical problems. I also get stuck with how to handle certain Scripture passages in a sermon. Other times, I encounter life situations that require specific specialization outside my area of expertise. Sometimes, I even get stuck on what kind of article to write for the weekly Chapeline newsletter (like this one). My point, which I learned when I was a young man, is this: No matter how hard I try, if my wheels are spinning in the mud, I ain’t going nowhere.
Spinning wheels may look cool because it appears that we’re doing something. However, we’re much better off asking someone to help us find Texas Pete hot sauce in the spice aisle at the grocery store. We’ll never succeed by ourselves, primarily because hot sauce is in another aisle (near ketchup or international foods).
I assume nobody wants to get stuck, but I also assume that folks don’t want to just sit there without making progress. Sure, it’s true that I’ll sometimes stare at a problem for a while before I ask for help, but how long do I spin my wheels before I realize I’m not getting anywhere? How long will I search the spice aisle before asking someone to help? Over the years, I’ve learned that solving problems for myself is a good feeling, indeed, but at what cost?
I need help; you know it. You need help; I know it. As long as we’re within reach of each other, there’s no reason that we don’t ask for it when we need it. In fact, God probably gave the right answer to someone else just so that we’ll be forced to interact with one another. Don’t Get Stuck, but if you do, don’t stay that way. Ask For Help!
Not sure where to begin? Give it to God. Wherever your heart is stuck, the LORD is ready to help. Join us this week at The Chapel, online or in person, for worship and/or Bible study. We can get unstuck together!
See you soon!
Brock
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