Justin March leads the Bethany Lutheran Church Men’s Ministry and sends a weekly email message to the Men’s group every week.  Justin has generously permitted us to post his weekly reflections here.

I asked God for help.
As the worries blurred my vision, the regrets pulled me under, and the fears
made me tremble, I felt I had no other choice. I was standing on quicksand, and
the weight of a busy work schedule, coronavirus news, economic uncertainty, and
personal strife, made me feel like the sand was up to my neck. As the granules
inched their way up, I knew I was one setback away from being completely
engulfed.

I asked God for help.
You may or may not know this about me, but asking for help is not in my
wheelhouse. I am a Leo. I am the one who takes the reigns, I am the one who
takes charge, and I am the one who will lead the pack. I am OCD. I will make
sure everything is organized, I will cover every detail, and all will be
perfect. And I am type A. I will be boisterous, I will share my opinion, and I
will make sure the situation never becomes stagnant. When everything in my life
is dominated by strong traits like these, asking for help seems like a weakness
I am not allowed to entertain.

I asked God for help.
After opening my Bible and reading some encouraging messages, I closed my eyes
and tried to let everything out. The burdens were heavy, the responsibilities
crushing, and the tasks ahead daunting. I knew I could no longer do this on my
own. I knew I had to call some friends, sit down with my family, and have some
caring conversations. I had to wave the white flag, admit defeat, and let
everything go. Life was no longer in my control, and it was time to ask for
help.

I asked God for help.
I dropped to my knees, and I let it all go. I asked for the strength to
overcome my fears. I asked Him to take my burdens so the panic could subside.
And I asked Him for clarity so I could live out my mission and be a beacon for
others. That was Thursday night. As I collapsed into bed, His peace overcame
me. I slept better than I had in weeks. I woke up Friday morning refreshed. I
felt like I had purpose, and my drive was positive and clear. It was the best I
had felt in several weeks, and God’s grace and understanding had erased
everything else.

I asked God for help.
It is now Sunday morning, and this weekend has been amazing. I have had
incredible conversations with family and friends. I have slowed down and
enjoyed every moment. And I have felt the peace and love that only God can
bring into my life. My situations at work have not changed. Coronavirus numbers
are still increasing. The economy is still shaky. And I still have unresolved
personal issues to take care of. The difference is that I asked for help. I am
no longer looking at the world through MY eyes. I am looking at the world
through HIS. And when I allow Him to take the reigns and show me how beautiful
life can be, that quicksand solidifies and puts me back on solid ground.

I asked God for help.
We are not weak if we cannot do this on our own. We were not made to carry all
the burdens by ourselves. And no matter how strong we think we are, there are
going to be times in our lives when the weight is crushing. Ask God for help.
He will surround you with those that will lift you back up. He will encourage
you to move forward and keep your head high. And He will forgive you, love you,
and give you the peace you need to carry on. We all have a mission to carry out
in this world, but we need to remember to ask for help. And when we do, God
will make your mission clear. He will provide you with everything you need. And
as you pick up His tools, as you follow His instructions, and He illuminates
your path, you become equipped to go out and do His work.

I asked God for help.
This world is hungry for your leadership. This world is thirsty for your
guidance. And if you ask God for help, you will see things differently through
His eyes. Your perspective will change, your mission will become clear, and
your light will shine bright. Others will be drawn as they see you transform.
They will want to know what has changed. And you will have opened the door to
evangelize and let others know how amazing God can be in their lives too. So,
do not try to live this life on your own. Ask God for help. And as the Holy
Spirit enters your body, allow it to engage you in everything God wants you to
experience. Then, and only then, will you become the disciple He needs you to
be in these troubling times!