Help! I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!
Tumbles and stumbles. My worst moments in life. Like the time the short-cut down the embankment proved the wrong way—for me anyway. Flailing legs and arms on display for the whole world. Well, at least the people close by.
And the times life knocked me off my feet in spirit. Culture implores me to pull myself up by my bootstraps. But is it even possible?
Have you ever fallen? Physically? What about on the inside?
So, did you get back on your feet? And by yourself?
The Bootstraps Myth
Imagine you set out on a nice afternoon stroll through the countryside. But you trip over a branch and tumble to the ground. You are alone. No problem. Firmly grab ahold of your bootstraps and pull yourself to an upright position.
Simple. Easy-peasy. A do-it-yourself task. No help necessary.
Now envision this same scenario taking place on the inside of you—deep within. The innermost part of you tumbles and you can’t get up.
So, go ahead. Do it. Pull yourself up by your bootstraps.
But it’s an impossible feat. A complete myth. And a lie from the enemy. If we tumble in body or spirit, a DIY project’s not a suitable technique.
The do-it-yourself Lie
Hello, my name is I-can’t-do-life-by-myself.
Life turns hard without fair warning. Life’s trees grow large branches bearing the weight of adversity and sorrows. They eventually snap, falling as debris cluttering our path.
Also, pesky twigs of weaker, yet obvious hardships often entangle us on the journey.
We trot along, whistling on our merry way, when a branch out of nowhere trips us. We stumble in a surprised gaze wondering how we missed it.
I know, all too well, about tumbles in life.
My dad died. I lost a job. A relationship became troubled. Ministry was in a difficult season. Life takes an unexpected detour.
Spirit, soul, and heart flailing for the whole world to see.
Discouragement, depression, stress, anxiety, and their sidekicks never play favorites. Instead, they welcome everyone into the group. No clicks or a secluded membership. No one is exempt.
Not Wearing Boots
Things happen. Life happens. And what if we aren’t even wearing boots?
Do you think Christ told people in his day to pull themselves up by their sandal straps?
When we read what we know He did say, rest assured His message and a DIY philosophy clashed. And when we look at Jesus’ actions, it’s crystal clear He raised people out of life’s pits.
He raised the sick to healing, raised the despairing ones to peace, and raised the dead to life.
Jesus lifts us up…out of despair, sin, and spiritual death.
We need Jesus to come to our rescue.
And we need people. People who display Jesus with skin in despairing moments.
“If you will humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, in his good time he will lift you up. Let him have all your worries and cares, for he is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you” (1 Peter 5:6-7 TLB).
“After you have suffered a little while, our God, who is full of kindness through Christ, will give you his eternal glory. He personally will come and pick you up, and set you firmly in place, and make you stronger than ever” (1 Peter 5:10 TLB).
So, stick to DIY home, craft or other projects. In life’s tumbles and stumbles, enlist the aid of those who will and can help you.
Be encouraged! Christ is the best “puller-up-er” around!
I hope you enjoyed this inspirational post by my gifted friend, Karen Friday.
Karen Friday is an award-winning writer who has published both devotions and articles. She contributes to several national sites and is working on her first non-fiction book. In the blogging world, she is referred to as “Girl Friday” where she shares a central message: you are never far from hope. Karen’s heartbeat is helping followers of Christ live with authentic hope and faith in real life. She considers her life as a pastor’s wife and women’s ministry leader a sacred calling. Karen and her husband Mike reside in East Tennessee and have two grown children and two grandchildren. The entire family is fond of the expression, “TGIF: Thank God it’s Friday.” They owe Monday an apology. Connect with Karen’s blog community, Hope is Among Us, http://www.karengirlfriday.com
Always love Karen’s posts — thanks Beckie –
They always are unique and uplifting.
And congrats grandma-
Del
Appreciate your kind words and encouragement, Del. You bless me. I’m so thankful this particular DIY project is a lie. Truth is, we can’t do it by ourselves. Jesus lifts us up.
Thanks, Del. Yes, I’m honored to feature her beautiful writing.
Amen! Great post, Karen. I know so much about falling and not being able to get up on my own – physically and spiritually. Both are so painful.
So glad this encouraged you, Bill. I’ve read your story here on Beckie’s blog and the link to the full story…it’s a powerful one indeed! I believe you and I conversed a bit over your story.
And, yes, falling both physically and spiritually are painful. But, thank goodness, Jesus lifts us up…out of despair, sin, and spiritual death. He always comes to our rescue. Always.
Blessings!
Inspirational. Love people “who display Jesus with skin.”
Thanks, Mary. Because I need people who display Jesus with skin, I pray to do the same for others. Appreciate you commenting.
Amen, Mary!
Wonderful inspiration from Karen, Beckie, and such a timely reminder that Jesus is the only One who can spiritually get us back up on our feet.
Blessings to you both!
So true, Martha. Thankful for your encouraging words and for this…
Christ is the best “puller-up-er” around! Hallelujah!
Great article! We always have to be on guard for this type of pop psychology, self-reliant type of thinking; it is anti-God.
Scott, Amen! Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Well said, Scott! I echo Beckie’s “Amen!” May we never resort to this kind of thinking in the church…the family of God. Thank you!
This is so uplifting, Karen. The fact that God will always be around to pick us up is just a comforting reality. I chuckled when you said, “So, go ahead. Do it. Pull yourself up by your bootstraps.” We try in our own strength, don’t we? Imagine how much time and heartache we can save if we let Jesus carry us instead. Great post!
Thanks, Stephen. It is comical how we try to do things by ourselves. Love how you said we save so much time and heartache if we let Jesus carry us. Amen! Thanks for taking time to comment.
Oh how we need Jesus! Yes the do-it-yourself lie is pervasive. But He came to do what we cannot do.