All people — Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, atheists — have a tendency to try to get by on their own.  That’s okay, it’s a normal way to handle things.  Most of us try to be self-reliant either out of necessity or the euphoria of knowing we can do it (whatever “it” may be) by ourselves.  The problem we tend to run into is failing to recognize when we need help.  Sometimes we realize it too late, and sometimes we never do at all.

For some of us, it’s pride.  For others, it’s because we’re shy.  And some people are just too stubborn for their own good.  But even if you aren’t comfortable asking someone for assistance, or you just won’t, remember that God has your back.

This is the true power of prayer: God will not let his children fail.  The prayers of the righteous will be answered.  That’s the most beautiful part of the promise we’ve been given from the Lord!  Does that mean that your walk will always be easy? The answer is an emphatic NO! You will stumble, you will fall, and you will have your fair share of struggles.  But God will not let you slip beyond your limits.

Case in point: Sunday night, I was despairing.  I was overwhelmed by the weight of my responsibilities, combined with the pain from the issues I’ve been dealing with.  I truly felt like I had reached my limit.  I prayed.  I prayed for strength, and I prayed for relief.  I prayed that the weight of that despair would be lifted, even if only slightly.  I prayed that God would light the way before me, so to speak.  By Monday morning at work, it was as if I had done a complete 180.  My job suddenly became easier; project requirements made more sense; and no matter how close I got to deadlines this week, I always managed to get things done on time and complete.  And through one of his children, God gave me a smile this week that I’m pretty sure is present even when I’m asleep.  My world is so much brighter now than it was just 72 hours ago.  In fact, this is the happiest I’ve been in at least a month and a half.

It is important to note, though, that God will often put us to the test.  Just as he put Job’s faith on trial, we too are faced with situations that truly test our resolve and our faith in God.  In times of great despair, of extreme stress, of severe pain, we have two choices: we can direct our anger at God for putting us through such a situation, or we can trust the Lord to get us out. 

He wants to help us all; we need only to ask.