Okay, the title of the message today is Help Through Hardships. Our scriptures are in Psalm 22. The first one is Psalm 22, verse 11. Be not far from me, for trouble is near, for there is none to help. And Psalm 22, 19. But be not thou far from me, O Lord, O my strength. Haste thee to help me. Let's pray. Dear God, we thank you that we could gather together, Lord. We thank you for your word, Lord. Please keep me from error today, Lord, and let us be blessed by your word. In Jesus' name, amen. Today we're going to talk about something we all need, which is help. Most of us can think of things we need help with right now, whether it's something practical like money or something spiritual like overcoming temptation or sin. We all need relief. The good news is that the Bible talks about help and being a helper. From the scriptures, we can get encouragement and learn how we can best help others. Help is a vital concept in our lives. It's not just a practical necessity, but also a spiritual principle deeply embedded in the word of God. God designed us to support and uplift each other. In this message, we'll see that help comes in many forms, and that our attitudes and actions play an important role in both receiving and giving help. The first important point is that help ultimately comes from God. The Bible says in Psalm 121, verses one and two, I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, for whence cometh my help? My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. So God is our ultimate helper. He created everything, so he can help with anything we're dealing with. He uses various ways to help us, sometimes using other people, animals, or even nature. This recognition of God as a source of all help is the foundation of our faith. We acknowledge that no matter the situation, God's provision is sufficient. An example of this is found when Elijah was hiding from Ahab. The Bible says in 1 Kings 17 verses 4 and 6, And it shall be that thou shalt drink of the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there. So he went and did according unto the word of the Lord. For he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan. And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening, and he drank of the brook. Here we see a miraculous provision where God commands ravens to feed Elijah. This shows that God's help can come in unexpected and miraculous ways. Sometimes it's not through people, but through his creation that he chooses to provide. This miracle is not just about food. It was a demonstration of God's control over nature and his ability to sustain us in ways we might not imagine. The story of the Ravens reminds me of how many of the young people in church try to help when there are church-related tasks to do. I specifically remember Tim regularly asking us if we needed any help carrying water or food into church each Sunday. Every time we arrived at church, he would walk up and chirp, do you need any help? Kind of like a bird. It was a great blessing. We got so used to it, we'd look to see if he was there to help us. But back to the topic of animals and how they teach us about help. The Bible says in Matthew 6, 26, Behold the fowls of the air, for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Here Jesus is reminding us that if God cares for the birds, he surely cares for us and will provide for our needs. This assurance is comforting and reminds us that God is our ultimate helper. The comparison Jesus makes should help us to trust more in God's care, knowing that we are loved by our Lord. Help can also come from others around us that God sends. Moses experienced this a number of times. As a leader of the Israelites, Moses spoke directly to God and judged the people. It was a lot of work and took up a great deal of time. Moses received some advice from his father-in-law. The Bible says in Exodus 18, verses 17 to 18, and Moses' father-in-law said unto him, The thing that thou doest is not good. Thou wilt surely wear away both thou and this people that is with thee. for this thing is too heavy for thee. Thou art not able to perform it thyself alone. Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, saw that Moses needed help and offered practical advice. This practical help was necessary for Moses to continue leading effectively. God often sends people into our lives with the wisdom and support we need. Jethro's advice to Moses highlights the importance of delegation and shared responsibility. It's a reminder that God's help often comes through wise counsel and practical solutions. We know that Moses ended up taking the advice and delegating some of the smaller matters to others. God also sends special helpers like wives who play a crucial role in providing support. The Bible says in Genesis 2 verse 18, And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone. I will make him and help meet for him. From the beginning, God designed helpers for us. Wives are part of God's design, providing companionship and support. The creation of Eve as a help for Adam shows the importance of having others around us that can help us. The Bible speaks of the virtuous woman's value in Proverbs 31, verses 10 to 12. Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. A virtuous wife is an incredible blessing and helper. and shows us how God provides help through relationships. Let's take a moment to appreciate how much our wives help us. We can all recall specific times where their preparedness made a significant difference, handling things we might not have been able to manage on our own. Just the other day, we were at Home Depot, and all of a sudden my wife hands me an envelope and says, can you give this to him? Just then an employee approached our vehicle and said hello. He said he saw the Jesus sticker on our car and was wondering if we could give him a Bible. I looked at my wife probably with panic in my eyes and asked her if we had a Bible by chance. She thought about it for a moment then said hold on and came back with a Bible she had in the car. I gave it to him along with an envelope that had a tract inside. We would not have been able to give this young man a Bible if my wife had not been prepared. Later she told me that she saw the young man working hard when we drove up to the store and prayed that we would be able to give him a tract and encourage him. God will open doors when we have a mind to help others. And husbands, we can help our wives too. We should actively look for ways to make their lives easier. Simple acts like opening doors, lifting heavy objects, or other thoughtful gestures not only provide help, but also demonstrate that support goes both ways. Sometimes Bible-believing Christians get labeled as not being loving towards our wives, but this is not true. We can show this by applying this biblical principle of mutual help. So on that note, the next point is that help is a two-way street. The Bible says in Galatians 6.2, bury one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. When we help others, we fulfill Christ's law. It's a two-way street. If we help others, we will often get help ourselves. This mutual support is a fundamental principle in the church. Bearing each other's burdens builds trust and strengthens the bond between us. Another verse that highlights this concept is Proverbs 11, 25. The liberal soul shall be made fat, and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. Helping others feels good and can be contagious. It encourages others to help too. When we see the impact of our help, it inspires us to help more, and the spirit of being helpers can spread throughout the church. This reminds me of a story that took place when I was in my 20s. This was prior to being married, and I had just dropped Miss Jackie off at her parents' place in San Francisco. If you've never been to San Francisco, San Francisco is very congested and has a lot of traffic. I was driving an old car and it broke down right in the middle of a busy intersection. Drivers were driving around me and honking. They were yelling and cursing, and I didn't know what to do. I just sat there frozen, knowing I was the cause of the traffic jam. A couple minutes later, I felt the car start to move forward. I looked in my mirror, and a Hispanic man in a big truck was pushing me out of the intersection to safety. I was able to wave and smile at him, but I never got to thank him. I still think about that man and pray for him from time to time. That experience had an impact on me, and I've been able to help others in the same situation later in life. You guys can attest to this. There's a bond between people that have driven old cars. We all know how it feels to need help when it breaks down, inevitably at the worst time. The Bible says in Acts 20, 35, I've showed you all things, how that so laboring he ought to support the weak and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said it is more blessed to give than to receive. This verse highlights the blessedness of giving. Helping should be a balanced effort where we actively look for ways to support each other. And it's important to note that help is not just about material possessions, but also about time, energy, and other support. The Bible says in Matthew 5.16, Our acts of help and kindness should glorify God. When we help others, we reflect God's love and light to the world. Our good works serve as a testimony of God's grace and compassion working through us. The Bible says in 1 John 3 verses 17 to 18, But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue, but in deed and in truth. True help comes from genuine love and compassion. It's not just about words, but about actions that reflect God's love in us. This call to action emphasizes that love must be demonstrated through actual acts of kindness and support. Look at the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10, verses 30 through 37. And Jesus answering said, a certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho. and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was, and when he saw him he had compassion on him, and went to him, bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow, when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him, and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. Which now of these three thinkest thou was a neighbor unto him that fell among thieves? And he said, He that showed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise. This parable is a powerful illustration of what it means to help others. Despite the fact that they were different kindreds that normally did not associate with each other, the Samaritan helped the injured man. This story teaches us that true help goes beyond these barriers and is driven by compassion and mercy. The next point is that you have to have the right attitude to be helped. The Bible says in James 4, verse 6, but he giveth more grace, wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. To receive help, we must have the right attitude. We can't expect it or demand it. Humility is key to receiving God's grace and the help we need. Pride can block us from accepting help, whereas humility opens the door to God's blessings. We should also try everything at our disposal and not be helpless. 2 Thessalonians 3.10 says, for even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. God expects us to do our part and not be idle. Hard work and diligence are valued by God, and he rewards those who put in the effort. We should also be grateful to God for the help we receive. The Bible says in 1 Thessalonians 5.18, In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Gratitude should be an essential part of our lives as we acknowledge God's provision. Being thankful keeps us humble and mindful of God's continual blessings. Having the right attitude also involves being active in love, diligent in service, and generous in hospitality. The Bible says in Romans 12, verses 10 to 13, be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love, in honor preferring one another, not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord, rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing instant in prayer, distributing to the necessity of saints, given to hospitality. Church should be a place where help is freely given and received. We're called to have a humble and selfless attitude, considering others' needs above our own. The Bible says in Philippians 2, verses 3 and 4, Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. This mindset is crucial for both giving and receiving help. Selflessness and humility can create a church full of mutual support and encouragement. Having the right attitude also means being willing to ask for help. The general principle can be found in Matthew 7, verses 7 and 8. Ask, and it shall be given you. Seek, and ye shall find. Knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For everyone that asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh findeth. And to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Jesus encourages us to ask, seek, and knock, assuring us that God responds to our needs. This openness to asking for help shows that we trust God and that we recognize our own limitations. The next point is that help doesn't always come in the form you're expecting. God says in Isaiah 55, 8 and 9, For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. Help can come in ways we don't expect. Sometimes it's tough love. God knows what we need better than we do. His wisdom surpasses ours, and His ways are higher. This means that sometimes help comes in forms that challenge us to grow or teach us valuable lessons. Look at what the Bible says in Proverbs 3, 11 and 12. My son, despise not the chasing of the Lord, neither be weary of his correction. For whom the Lord loveth, He correcteth, even as a father, the son in whom he delighteth. God can say no to our requests if we're asking for the wrong kind of help. His whippings are also a form of help. Correction and discipline, though sometimes painful, show God's love and his desire to help us grow. The Bible says in James 4.3, ye ask and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. Sometimes we may not know what's best for us. God knows better. Our prayers should align with God's will and purpose for our lives, and sometimes that means accepting that our desires may not be what's best for us. Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 12, verses 7 and 9, unless I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee, for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly, therefore, will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Paul's experience with the thorn in the flesh teaches us that sometimes God's help comes in the form of grace to endure rather than the removal of the problem. It's about relying on His strength in our weakness. God's power is often most evident in our times of struggle and weakness. The Bible goes on to say in Romans 8, 28, and we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Even when help doesn't come in the way we expect, God is working all things for our good. This trust is crucial in our walk with him. We can rest in the assurance that God is sovereign and his plans for us are always for our ultimate good when we are walking with him. Job suffered a lot and asked God for help. We see how Job responded to his trials in Job 1 verse 21. Job's response to his suffering teaches us that our faith should remain steadfast even when God's help comes in the form of loss or suffering. His unwavering trust in God despite his circumstances is a great example of faith and resilience. We know that Job ended up learning from his situation and God blessed his latter end. Now let's talk about Satan's counterfeit help, enabling. We know the devil tries to counterfeit every good thing that God provides with a satanic copy. We should help others in a way that doesn't enable their sin. Galatians 6.1 says, Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness, considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Restoration should be done with gentleness and caution. True help involves leading someone back to righteousness, not supporting their wickedness. Look at what the Bible says in 2 Thessalonians 3, 14 and 15. And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. Helping should not mean supporting bad behavior. We must be wise in our help, ensuring it leads to growth and not further sin. This approach balances accountability with love, aiming for the restoration of our loved ones. The Bible talks about this more in Ephesians 5.11, and have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. We're called to avoid enabling sinful behavior and instead reproving it, offering true help that leads to repentance and restoration. Our goal should always be to guide others back towards our Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible says in Proverbs 27, verses 5 to 6, open rebuke is better than secret love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. True help sometimes involves tough love and honest rebuke, which is more valuable than enabling harmful behavior. True love cares enough to confront and correct, even when it's difficult. At times it can go even further. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 5 to deliver such a one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. Paul's instruction to the church at Corinth to hand over an unrepentant sinner to Satan shows the seriousness of dealing with sin within the church. This drastic action is aimed at restoration and salvation at the judgment seat of Christ. One other common counterfeit help is psychology. This is the world's way of assisting someone that needs help and is not of God. Instead of actually improving things, it often helps a person make excuses and dwell on things they should leave behind. There's a lot on this topic that we should save for another time, but I just want to mention it as a counterfeit that should not be relied on. Another important aspect of help is the timing of it. We've all heard people say that God is always on time. While we know this is true, it doesn't always feel like it. The Bible says in Psalm 27, 14, wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart. Wait, I say, on the Lord. We need to be patient. Help might not come when we expect it. God's timing is perfect, and we must trust his process. Waiting on the Lord builds our faith and teaches us to rely on his timing. Another passage is in James 1, verses 2 to 4. My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into diverse temptations, knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. There might be a reason it seems help is not coming, such as trials or tribulations. These are opportunities for growth and patience. Our faith is refined through these trials, making us better Christians. And we need to keep praying while we're waiting for help. The Bible says in Luke 18 verses 1 to 8, And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray and not to faint, saying, There was in a city a judge which feared not God, neither regarded man. And there was a widow in that city, and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while, but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man, yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith, and shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him? though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? We have to be persistent in prayer. Persistence is key in our walk with God and in seeking his help. Jesus encourages us to continue praying and not lose heart, trusting that God hears and responds in his perfect timing. Our church is currently doing a prayer challenge, where we pray for each other for 20 minutes each day. The purpose of this is to build consistency in our prayer lives. Asking God multiple times is encouraged in the Bible, and this consistency helps. This exercise also helps us realize how much help we need from God. Having others in the church praying for us brings these needs to the surface. The Bible says in 1 Peter 5, 6, and 7, God cares for us deeply and, as we mentioned, His timing is perfect. Humbling ourselves and casting our cares on Him is crucial. This act of surrender allows God to work in our lives according to His will and timing. The Bible says more about timing in Ecclesiastes 3.1. To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven. Understanding that there is a reason, I'm sorry, understanding there's a season for everything helps us trust in God's plan. Each season has its purpose and recognizing this helps us to wait with faith and patience. The Bible says in Habakkuk 2.3, God's promises and prophecies may take time to be fulfilled, but they are always on schedule. Our job is to wait with faith, knowing that God's timing is always right. There's a reason why God sometimes makes us wait for help. Romans 5 verses 3 and 5 says, And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also, knowing that tribulation worketh patience, and patience experience, and experience hope. and hope maketh not ashamed, because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. Tribulations produce patience, and patience produces experience, which in turn leads to hope. This process of growth is often brought about through waiting and enduring trials. Lastly, we're going to look at some tips on becoming a good helper. As we saw earlier, the Bible says in Philippians 2, 4, Have you ever come home from running errands or even soul winning and thought, I wish I had witnessed that person or given them a track? I know it's happened to me and it's not a good feeling. When you wake up each morning, you can think ahead about how you can help others and not just yourself. This selflessness is a reflection of Christ's love towards us. We are called to be proactive in meeting the needs of those around us. Being a good helper also means understanding that God will reward you, not man. The Bible says in Matthew 6, verses 3 and 4, But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth, that thine alms may be in secret, and thy father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. Don't expect praise for helping others. It does sometimes happen, but our motivation should be to please God and serve others. This humility and service ensures that our actions are pure and driven by genuine love. Another way to set yourself up to be a good helper is to be around those you want to help. The Bible says in Hebrews 10, 24 and 25, and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together as a manner of some is, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the day approaching. We should be around fellow believers to encourage and help each other. Regularly gathering with the brethren strengthens our faith and provides opportunity to serve and to be served. As we saw earlier, the Bible says in Romans 12, 13, distributing to the necessity of saints, given to hospitality. Being generous and hospitable are practical ways to be a good helper. It involves meeting the needs of others and creating a welcoming environment. Hospitality opens doors for ministry and can help create relationships here in our local area. We should also have the right motivation for helping others. The Bible says in Colossians 3 verses 23 and 24, When we help, we should do it with all our heart, as if serving the Lord directly. This perspective changes how we approach helping others. Our service to others is ultimately service to God, and this should motivate us to give our best. Next, persistence in doing good is crucial. The Bible says in Galatians 6, 9, and 10, And let us not be weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Even when it is challenging, we are encouraged to continue helping, knowing that our efforts are not in vain. Our perseverance in well-doing will yield blessings in God's perfect time. We should also be actively looking for those in need. The Bible says in Matthew 25, 35 to 40, for I was in hunger and you gave me meat. I was thirsty and you gave me drink. I was a stranger and you took me in, naked and you clothed me. I was sick and you visited me. I was in prison and you came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee in hunger and fed thee, or thirsty and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger and took thee in, or naked and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick or in prison and came unto thee? And the king shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Jesus identifies with those in need and teaches that helping them is equivalent to serving him. This truth should motivate us to see every act of help as service to Christ. In closing, help is something we all need. Our help ultimately comes from God, and he can use various ways to help us. The goal of this message was to encourage us to be patient and wait on God's help, and also be ready to be the help that God sends to someone else. Let's pray. Dear God, we thank you for your word, Lord. We thank you for everything you outlined for us, Lord. And we just pray that we would have a spirit to help others, Lord God, in this church, in our local area here, God. And we just pray that you would just bless us going forward, God. In Jesus' name, amen.