(7) Accepting Help From Others

There is one more key ingredient to accepting help in facing physical challenges. When we face physical problems our natural thinking, reactions and responses are contrary to God’s Word. As we have discussed, we need to determine to think God’s way. But, given our human weakness and natural tendency, it can be extremely difficult to do this. God designed us to rely upon Him for wisdom and strength, but He also designed for us to get help from others in the Body of Christ. God designed the Body of Christ to be an interdependent family of brothers and sisters ministering to, encouraging, and caring for one another. In fact, Paul says, “If one member suffers, everyone suffers with it (1 Corinthians 12:26 NET).” God teaches us, empowers us and ministers to us through His Word and prayer, but He also does it through the Church.

So, we need to be honest share our struggles and accept help from others. This means we need to be living in fellowship with the Body of Christ. We need to be part of a local church, building relationships, and participating in reciprocal ministry with our brothers and sisters. You can’t expect to go to church for Sunday services, sit in the pew and walk out and really be part of the life giving and nurturing life of the Body of Christ. It is critical that you build relationships and get connected with others in a small group fellowship.

We must be careful that we don’t expect the Body of Christ to take care of every problem in our lives. God commands us to carry our own light burdens (Galatians 6:5). But there are times when we need support, encouragement and even physical assistance to carry a heavy burden (Galatians 6:2). At these times, we need to be humble enough to admit our weakness and accept help.

Conclusion

I can walk in victory over discouragement with myself when I accept the way God made me, recognizing that He designed me exactly as He desired and gifted me in Christ to uniquely display His glory.

I will walk in victory over discouragement with myself when I learn to break free from worldly temporal values that lead me to focus on physical beauty and attractiveness to pursue true, inner beauty and the character of Christ.

I can walk in victory over my physical weaknesses and illnesses knowing that God will use them for my good and His glory as I choose to receive and depend on His grace and live in interdependent fellowship with the Body of Christ.

Next: (8) When I Am A Failure