At twenty years old, Jenny felt like giving up. She had maintained a solid B average during her first year of college, but last summer, her life started to fall apart.

Thinking back, she realized that accepting the invitation to that party hadn’t been her best decision. Her desire for acceptance and friendship had clouded her judgment. Why didn’t she refuse that beer like she always had before? She hadn’t noticed her strong inclination toward alcohol until that day. Now, there was no denying she had a problem.

Does this fictional story remind you of anything?

Or perhaps you go to bed heavy with regret for a different reason. Maybe you’re sorry you yelled at your child – again – for simply being a kid. 

Or after a heartfelt commitment to change, you still hear the echoes from when you nagged your husband or berated your wife – again. 

What about that resolution you made to lose 40 pounds … or to quit smoking – again? Your bathroom scales show an additional five pounds, or you’re smoking more than ever.

Maybe you’re at risk of losing your job or flunking that course, or your house is a total mess because you can’t seem to motivate yourself to get up off the couch.

Has your situation finally convinced you that you can’t overcome it alone? Maybe a sinful habit has revealed how much you need others’ involvement to make today different from yesterday.

It’s okay to ask for help. In fact, it could be vital for you to do so – even if it means setting aside your pride. We’re here to support each other. One day in the future, God may use you to help someone else, but for now, allow others to be there for you.

As a community – especially the church – we thrive when we serve one another. Even more amazing, we glorify God.

1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV) says:

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace …

whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.

This week – this day – is a great time to ask God to help us clean up our act. If necessary, let’s ask God for wisdom and courage to seek assistance. Isn’t it comforting to know that whatever our struggle, we don’t have to go through it alone?

But we do have to reach out.

Consider meeting with a wise friend or relative, a mental health professional (preferably Biblically-based) or perhaps someone from your church,

Who will you call to get that support today?

What about you?

I’d love to hear your thoughts about this post. (Your comment might also benefit others.)

• Isn’t it comforting to know that whatever our struggle, we don’t have to go through it alone?

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