Help is on the Way

 In a hurry to finish shopping before leaving on a trip, I scanned items in my shopping cart at the self-service checkout. Before I could complete the transaction, the machine malfunctioned.
 
Oh, great. I don’t need this right now.

Then, a message appeared on the screen: “Help is on the way.”

Good. Someone would come to my rescue. But no one came. Impatient, I stepped over to the Customer Service counter, but as I did so, a store associate approached. She greeted me with a smile, typed a code into the machine, and, voila, my issue was resolved. I was thankful for her help and made it home in time to leave on our trip.   

Help is on the way.  If God responded to my concerns with a text message or note on my computer, I imagine him typing a message like this. But, of course, electronic technology isn't required for God to communicate with us—or us with Him. He is only a prayer away—and our hearts become the "email" receptacle for answers to prayer.   

Presently, much help is needed in the state where I live, for a rapidly spreading wildfire has put mountain communities in great danger. Some residents have been forced to evacuate. Hundreds of  firefighters are risking their health and lives to do all they can to keep the fire from destroying homes and structures.    

In times of great need, people often come together to support one another. But, in disastrous situations, some may ask,  “How could God allow this to happen?" The same question could be asked about other ills of the world that make us fearful, anxious, or angry, such as poverty, war, drugs, crime, or terrorism.       

The God of Creation, who made the universe and everything in it, never intended for our world to become a place of chaos, devastation, or suffering. Unfortunately, many of the ills that have taken place throughout history have been tied to human undertaking and sin. There are other things that happen for which we do no have answers. However, for the believer, trust is place in the One who is in charge of creation.      
 
Despite the ills of the world, we have a God who is larger than any problem or disaster we face. No matter what happens, the Bible tells us that God promises never to leave us or forsake us. 
 
1 Corinthians 12 shows we are part of the body of Christ. “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.”

As God’s people, as the body of Christ, we act together as one to lift our hands in service to help others in times of need. God comes to the rescue, for through His guidance, He helps us navigate the challenges set before us.

Indeed, help is on the way!

Whether we are dealing with something as small as an issue in a checkout line, or whether we are confronted by the devastation of wildfires or other natural disasters, we may feel our faith is being tested. But God's Word tells us not to fear and to trust Him. Having this faith, we are assured that whatever happens, He will always be with us and He comes to our rescue. His  guidance is just a prayer away.  
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 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46:1
“The Lord is my helper.” – Hebrews 13:6
“For the Lord God helps me.” – Isaiah 50:7
“My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” – Psalm 121:2
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” - Isaiah 41:10

Photo: N. Johnson  - Wildfire close to where we traveled (following the delay at the supermarket).   

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