When I was little, I would often pray and ask God for help: “Help me have fun today at the park,” “Help me be kind to my brother and sister,” “Help us have a good day.”
As I got a little older, I really didn’t like to pray that way. It sounded condescending for me to suppose that God was my Helper. It sounded like I had a running wish list or to-do list and wanted a butler to come alongside and help all the conditions to be just right for me to play outside or have fun or be nice.
While the little-girl-me didn’t have a full Biblical understanding of what the Bible meant that God is my Help, I think that the grown-up-me has a lot to learn from seeking a God who helps me.
Recently I was so uplifted and encouraged, convicted and challenged by a sermon I listened to by John Piper entitled, “God Works for Those Who Wait for Him.” I commend it to you for your joy and for your faith. ❤️
Lingering in my mind and heart from the sermon is this text:
“From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him.” (Isaiah 64:4)
Who is a God like our God? The omnipotent God who made the world and everything in it, He is not served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all of us life and breath and everything (Acts 17:25).
Any other god needs his people to work for him — to carry him, to defend him, to help him. OUR God says, “I am the one who helps you.” (Isaiah 41:13)
What god is like our God? His arm is strong to save because His Son left the right hand of God to take on human form and die on a cross for our sins. He helps sinful men because He bore their sin, endured their punishment, and conquered their death through His burial and triumphant resurrection.
What other god does this for his people?? As the psalmist says, “There is none like you among the gods, O Lord….you, LORD, have helped me..” (Psalm 86:8, 17)
Today and this week, as you and I face struggles and challenges, and encounter burdens of various weights, we remember that we are not God’s helpers; He is our helper to the praise of His glory. We are the needy ones; He does not need anything. We are called to faithfully walk in the good works that He has prepared for us, and He will help us by willing and working in us for His good pleasure (Philippians 2:12).
Remember the gospel, for according to the gospel, we are impotent and helpless, beggars of mercy and hungry for grace. The gospel echoes the ancient tender mercies of our God, who said to Israel, “‘You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you off’; fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:9-10)
With love,
amanda
Thank you SO much for linking the John Piper message. I just listened to it and was so moved by what he said. So powerful. It really changed my perspective on some things.
I am so glad! That message continues to impact me daily. Thank you for sharing that with me, Kiva! <3