It's a Puzzle: A 10-Day Devotional About... LifeSample

Day 8: How May I Help You?

Most people who truly need assistance aren’t willing to ask for it until they desperately need it because they see asking for help as a sign of weakness. Quite the opposite, according to Paul. In his second letter to the church in Corinth, he shares how he’s got some kind of ailment—a real problem (“a thorn in the flesh”) that will not go away. In fact, he asks God to take it from him three times, and God says no. And God doesn’t say “no” because He enjoys seeing people suffer. His reason? God tells Paul, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:7-9)

Long before I was married, I was in a toxic relationship with a girlfriend and needed to get out... although I had no idea how. Along came a good friend who, from looking on the outside in, could see the situation for what it was. We met one evening and had a chat. He didn’t tell me what I should do. He asked some questions and listened intently. He allowed me the opportunity to think out loud and work things out on my own. At the end of the evening, my friend said, “It sounds like you know what you need to do.”

If you’ve ever been to a Walmart store, you might have noticed the staff uniforms with the question on the back, “How may I help you?” This is brilliantly worded because simply including the word “How” cannot be answered with a casual yes or no.

This is the question we need to be asking others.

And although he did not use the exact words, How may I help you?, my friend provided exactly the help I needed.

Be alert.

Be aware.

Be available.

And as you’re working on your own puzzle, you gain valuable insight and experiences and can help others with theirs. (See 2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

So how may you help someone in need?

Lord, thank you for all the many different pieces you’ve brought into my life. Give me the courage to ask for help when needed, and show me how I can help those around me with the tough pieces of their puzzle.