Not Another Burden
Days leading up to my thyroid surgery last month, I found myself withdrawing from family and friends. I felt like a burden to people around me. Am I the only one who finds it easier to be available for others? To be a prayer warrior for friends and family comes naturally; however, when the time comes to ask for the same in return, I minimize my needs. How quickly do we tell ourselves, "I don't want to be a bother?" How easy is it to dismiss our own lives in times of need for the sake of feeling like we are bugging people? I was afraid of being viewed as weak, or as a burden.Allow People to Care
The enemy had me convinced that my current situation did not matter to others. Whatever stress, fear and anxiety I faced, I would battle alone. I had myself convinced that I was a burden, ashamed of needing to ask for help. It's not pity, people genuinely care about your well-being and want to be included in your life. I have always struggled with being vulnerable, but I can honestly say I am getting better. As Christians, we can feel as though we shouldn't ask for help. That needing help from other people is a sign of weakness. I too can have a "I can do it on my own" mentality. Part of being wise is knowing when to ask for help in situations that are beyond our control.What I remind myself is God does not place me in a situation, just so I can conquer it on my own. We are disciples of the word and staying in community keeps us stronger, which means going through life, all of life, with others.Every Prayer MattersQuestioning if God hears our prayers is something, I believe, most of us do. When we turn to God in our time of need, He does not forsake us. God wants us to turn to Him during times of struggle, joy and thanksgiving. This same concept should apply to our personal lives. Our friends and family are not in our lives to listen to negativity, issues and drama. They are in our lives to encourage, support, and be the loving hands of Jesus when we need help. As I extended my hands to my family and friends as I faced surgery and a lengthy recovery, they were more than willing to help me in my time of need.
Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him! People of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you. - Isaiah 30:18-19
God hears your voice the same way He hears the voice of others. Our prayers and petitions are important to God and a vital part of our life.
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