The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25 NLT
Only the sounds beyond my window could be heard — the sparrows chirping, the cars traveling in the distance, voices of people taking their morning stroll through the neighborhood. And in that tiny place of quiet I could hear the affirmations that I had been longing to find.
Sometimes I can be so busy — okay, a lot of times I am really busy. I wasn’t born this way. I became this way over time. That time was called “motherhood.” It was affirmed when I heard one of my kids say out loud, “So-n-so is a lot like you mom … she doesn’t sit down much.” Stopped me in my tracks. Was that a good thing or a bad thing?
I’ve always felt that I needed to redeem the time I’ve been given. Sitting around would not be a way for me to accomplish that — or so I thought.
When my kids were growing up, I transitioned into a career that I didn’t see coming. I traded in my stilettos for Nikes and became everyone’s ‘cheerleader.’ Literally.
Then the Holy Spirit took hold of me and put me with some incredible women for Bible Study. Leading a small group of women avails itself to opportunities for camaraderie, sisterhood, menopausal-hood (if I can say that), meaningful prayer circles … encouragement in ministry.
Because I was doing for others it was the best time ever.
Then one day it was I who needed that help. But I was afraid to ask for it.
- Describe a time when you knew you should’ve asked for help but did not.
- Compare and Contrast the outcome if you had decided differently.
Sweet Sister of mine, let me pull in close if I may … I want to speak truth to you today.
It’s perfectly okay to ask for help. In fact, our Scripture verse above reminds us that those of us who intentionally seek to refresh others — ministering, comforting, soothing — that we will also have those moments, days, weeks, months, years when we can receive the same in return. Maybe it’s best said that we should willingly receive …
- If you are someone who has difficulty asking for help, can you identify why?
Let me take you with me for a deeper dive. May I?
If we refuse the help or insist on doing everything ourselves, that is pride.
Now, before you close your laptop or put your phone down, hear me out. We cannot control everything that is happening around us. And that is exactly what we are trying to do when we think we can solo scoop up all the projects and finish them up in record-breaking time. We actually end up breaking down. A broken vessel must be repaired to be useful for service. And no, it is not a sign of weakness.
Give generously and generous gifts will be given back to you, shaken down to make room for more. Abundant gifts will pour out upon you with such an overflowing measure that it will run over the top! Your measurement of generosity becomes the measurement of your return.” Luke 6:38 TPT
Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 NLT
Receiving blessings in the form of assistance from one another is actually a command to the entire Body of Christ. GOD has instructed us to care for one another. The recipient actually becomes an agent in the giver’s generosity, in that the giver is blessed simply by freely giving out of love. This demonstrates the love of GOD to a fallen world.
Maybe growing up you didn’t have the opportunity to experience this open exchange of giving and receiving. It can cause you to feel awkward. It’s okay. Just say ‘thank you.’
GOD Almighty is always growing and developing us. She, who is sincerely wanting to help you, may even be one of the Lord’s ‘apprentices in training,’ as she is honing her skills of hospitality, friendship and care. With this shift in perspective we may be more likely to accept the assistance when offered.
- Who comes to mind when you think of extending an ‘extra hand’ in a gesture of offering help?
- List the different ways you can help this person.
- Pray about your motives and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in mapping out a plan.
As I leave you with this thought, allow me to also speak to how you may want to show gratitude for your Blessing of assistance:
- Phone call and a handwritten thank you note directly to the giver.
- Accomplishing the above within 3-5 calendar days of the event.
Being sincerely grateful translates into “prayerful thanks.” Make the effort to remember this individual (or group) in prayer on a regular basis. When the time comes for a role reversal, you will have your heart in the right place for the right time.
Until that time arrives, Sister, sit back and exhale into the provisions of GOD and His abundance to meet your every need. And when the rivers of mercy and love come falling upon you, let it be to overflowing.
I love you to heaven and back, Girlfriend ~~
LindaRJohnson, TitusTwo Visionary
Titus Two 
LikeLike