TODAY - From Pastor Marty & Jessica McGrail

It's hard to help someone who doesn't want help. Many times, because of God's Spirit of love that is within you there is an innate passion for compassion which feels the pain of others and ultimately wants to reach out and help, only to be disappointed and hurt when your efforts are rejected or denied.

So, how do you help someone that continues to reject your reach? Let go!

While serving in the US Navy some years ago I underwent various training to ready us for our journey across the Pacific in route to Vietnam. One of the courses was in Air and Sea rescue. We were taught that when someone is drowning many times they will pull the rescuer down with them as they struggle unproductively to stay afloat; we were taught it is best to stay close, yet far enough away so that the victim cannot put their hands on you and pull you down with them. Once they tire (surrender) and give up their struggle, only then can you effectively reach out and bring them to safety.

You may find yourself in a similar situation today; you're trying to help someone you care so much for and they just aren't giving you anything to work with. Take a moment, evaluate the situation through prayer and meditation, step back for a season, and when the time is right and the person you are reaching for gives up the battle, then reach out, and help them in any way you can into a new life that is filled with hope, promise and expectation which is found in God's Word of Truth.

Remember: Your ultimate goal should be to gently help them through your own good example from a life of "gloom and doom" to one that is filled with what Saint Paul called a "Fruitful" or productive life. Galatians 5:22 as read in The Message describes it like this:

"But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard-things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely."

So, if you find yourself trying to help someone that is struggling, don't let them pull you down with them. You may have to step back for a moment, pray for God's direction and then when He gives it and brings them to you, remember to give them Gods very best. Have the best day ever!