Overcome your pride

Imagine you are in a boat heading inexorably towards a deadly rapid. Perhaps you would scream for help or desperately row in the other direction while wondering why God doesn't intervene. The God who promised to always be by your side... why doesn't he save you from this danger in a supernatural way? Perhaps fear would also paralyze you and you stare helplessly at the deadly danger. When people face certain death, even convinced atheists begin to pray. And these prayers are often answered. Why?

Because Jesus does not override our will. He wants to help us, he wants to free us from danger. But he won't do it if we don't ask him. Our pride often ensures that we are caught in the rapids of our lives and we try ever more desperately to save ourselves. We accuse God of not helping us, but can't bring ourselves to admit that we need his help. With a mixture of exhaustion, panic and defiance, we struggle instead of letting Jesus provide us with new strength.

Why did Jesus go to the cross? Because our sin separates us from the Father and we cannot overcome this separation on our own. God is not sitting in heaven shaking his head disapprovingly at the fact that we keep sinning because he is the biggest buzzkill in the world. He sacrificed his own Son because he can't stand the separation from us that we cause every day through our behavior. But what if you stopped and looked at that menacing wall of your sins towering to the sky, overcame your pride and asked Jesus for help?

Even if you are lying on the ground and have the feeling that nobody cares how you are, Jesus is standing next to you with an outstretched hand and wants to help you up. All you have to do is look up and take his hand. Because he doesn't force you to take his hand. You have to make the decision to look to your God and accept his love and help. Then he will make sure that your boat gets into calmer waters.

Next Step: Are there areas in your life that feel dead? Let the Holy Spirit show you your rapids; bring them to Jesus at the cross and receive his life.