Abimelech recognized the favor upon Abraham and in Genesis 21:22 said: "God is obviously with you, helping you in everything you do."
Throughout history, God has helped humanity in diverse ways:
- IN WARFARE (TO DEFEND A CAUSE):
Moses said this about the tribe of Judah: "O Lord, hear the cry of Judah and bring them together as a people. Give them strength to defend their cause; help them against their enemies!" (Dt. 33:7)
- TO CONQUER NEW AND PROMISED TERRITORY:
"The Lord our God also helped us conquer Aroer on the edge of the Arnon Gorge, and the town in the gorge, and the whole area as far as Gilead. No town had walls too strong for us. (Dt. 2:36)
- TO ATTAIN BROKEN DREAMS AND FAILED PROMISES:
"So the Lord gave to Israel all the land he had sworn to give their ancestors, and they took possession of it and settled there. And the Lord gave them rest on every side, just as he had solemnly promised their ancestors. None of their enemies could stand against them, for the Lord helped them conquer all their enemies. Not a single one of all the good promises the Lord had given to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled; everything he had spoken came true. Josh. 21:43-45
Sometimes, we have unfulfilled promises that we cannot seemingly attain. But God will help - not do it for us - but help us fulfill all the "good" dreams in our heart.
Of all that God promised His children, they could not attain it until He stepped in and helped them conquer their enemies and gave them rest to build.
As I studied the word "help" I imagined if someone was drowning, they could cry out "help me" and if they could swim, they could help kick, dog paddle, until brought to safety. But if they could not, the appropriate cry might be "save me."
There is a huge difference between God "saving" vs. "helping" you.
When God helps you, He expects you to do your part (whatever that is.)
Think about it; when our kids ask us for help with homework, we don't do it for them. We expect them to bring their effort, bring their intelligence, bring their 110 percent-something to the table to show us what they have done and what they will do; and only THEN, can we truly help them.
How much more must we come to God the same way?
Historically, this is illustrated when the Israelites left Egypt; the book of Exodus records that Pharaoh marched after them and with their backs against the Red Sea and chariots marching towards them, the people cried to Moses, "Is it because there are no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness?"
Exodus 14:13 continues: "[And] Moses told the people, Fear not; stand still (firm, confident, undismayed) and see the salvation of the Lord which He will work for you today. For the Egyptians you have seen today you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace and remain at rest."
In the next verse, the Lord said to Moses: "Why do you cry to Me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward! Lift up your rod and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, and the Israelites shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea."
In other words, "If you remain at rest, you will drown. You didn't stand still in Egypt; why would you do it in the wilderness? WHAT IS IN YOUR HAND? Use the rod that brought you out with a strong hand; use what crushed the deities of Egypt with 10 plagues; it still works--MIRACLES ARE STILL FOR YOU TODAY. I can still provide a way of escape though it seems your back is against a wall."
RIGHT NOW, God wants to help, but you must you do something; Like He instructed Moses, "GO FORWARD; LIFT UP THE ROD (THE WORD) God performs miracles with. Divide the thing that is trying to conquer you (See story of the Tower of Babel.)"
The Hebrew writer wrote: "So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most." (Heb. 4:16)
We can never forget this. Our ability to receive help to solve our problem is connected to how often we boldly come. No matter how much we have come and failed. No matter how much satan reminds us of the number of times we have come, we can still BOLDLY come.
When my son comes into the throne room in our home (our Master Bedroom) for help, he has been there a million times, because he has access. But he must bring his homework; bring his report card, his teacher's note, his unfinished work or problem in order for us to help him.
Today, what are you going bring to the throne room of Heaven?
No town or industry wall is too strong for you.
God will help you become president. He will help you become what your highest dream is. He will help you be a better husband, wife, co-worker, boss, pastor, etc. But you must come with a humility or brokenness to admit your need for help.
God is not going to take the anger, insecurity, depression, guilt away unless you come with humility, acknowledging it exists with a willingness to confront it.
We cannot come to the throne in frustration, unwillingness and entitlement. King David wrote that we must come with a broken and contrite spirit (Ps 51:17.) And our doing something (with the help) is not just exerting the natural, but the spiritual as well. To the contrary, it is not just speaking to nations, it's reaching (and going to) them.
In business and life, our senior partner is Christ. When making any decision, consult with Him. Ask Him to review the letter or proposal. Ask him to review the applications and bring the ones that should interview for this position. Ask Him to go before you and speak to the prospective client before you call them. Ask Him to go before you to talk with the judge in his chambers on your case before your court date. Ask Him to provide a peer review of your condition and treatment or recovery plan.
He wants to help.
