Obtain help from God
Therefore, having obtained help from God, to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come. ~ Acts 26:22
I have had many opportunities in my lifetime to call out to God for help. He was always faithful to rescue me, even when the messes I was in were because of my own bad choices. Most of the time, God’s help did not show up the way I imagined it would. I could dream up elaborate ways He might rescue me, but His ways were usually simple and subtle. One example is the many times I fell behind on bills as a single mom. I would imagine a sudden increase of income coming in so there would be no more struggle. But the help I received in those moments was always exactly what I needed for that day. Of course, I was thankful, but I didn’t understand why He didn’t send a huge overflow. Now as I look back, I can see that He stayed with me step by step. By meeting my needs one at a time, He taught me to keep calling on Him as the next need came up.
Now I call on Him before the needs come. I talk with Him first thing in the morning so I never have to worry about the supply for that day. I know He is with me and I know He is providing, again step by step.
In today’s reading, the apostle Paul told King Agrippa that he obtained help from God. I am sure that when Paul cried out for help, he never imagined that part of that help would include being dragged off to prison. It did not look like help, but the help God gave him was grace to carry out God’s plan right in the middle of difficult circumstances. Paul obtained help from God to be obedient to the heavenly vision Jesus gave him, to turn people toward repentance, and to do good works that showed the transformation happening in his life. He did all of this with God’s help wherever he found himself. He did not pray to escape hardship, although God often delivered him. He prayed for grace to continue doing the will of God.
What about you? Do you obtain help from God in times of trouble? Often His help looks different than what you imagine. God shows up when you call on Him, but rarely in the timing or the way you expect. His grace flows into your weaknesses and strengthens you to stand. He does not simply conquer the problem for you. He makes you more than a conqueror and gives you the power to overcome what once overwhelmed you.
Here are some ways to apply this message in your everyday life:
- Begin each day by talking to God about the day ahead, asking Him to guide your steps.
- invite Him into the places where you feel pressure or fear so His strength can rise up inside you.
- Trust Him to provide the help you need in the moment you need it, even when His answer looks different than what you imagined.
- Keep your heart open to His direction so you can obey each leading of the Holy Spirit.
- Thank Him when the help arrives, even if it feels small, and watch how He shows you His faithfulness over time.
Here is how to get started:
- Set aside a few quiet moments when you wake up and ask God to walk with you through the entire day.
- Tell Him honestly where you feel weak or unsure so He can meet you there.
- Pay attention to the small helps He sends, such as a solution, an idea, or unexpected peace.
- End your day by thanking Him for the strength He gave you, even in the moments that felt ordinary.
Today I want to encourage you to obtain help from God in every part of your life. Calling on Him when trouble comes is good, but calling on Him before the trouble arrives is way better. Start your day by asking Him to prepare your path and to stand with you in anything unexpected. He does not cause the trouble, but He gives you the grace and strength you need to walk through every situation with victory. The same God who helped Paul stand boldly before kings is the same God helping you today.
Today’s scripture reading: Acts 26:19-23
19 “Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision,
20 but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance.
21 For these reasons the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me.
22 Therefore, having obtained help from God, to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come—
23 that the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.”
Journal:
- Where do I most need God’s help in this season of my life?
- How do I usually imagine God will help me, and how has He shown up differently?
- What small helps has God given me recently that I may have overlooked?
- How can I begin calling on Him before trouble comes instead of only during difficult moments?
- What steps can I take to obey Him in the place I am standing right now?
The Daily Dose 