Have you ever put something in the ‘Too Hard Basket’ simply because it takes a bit of effort? Surely there has to be a quicker and easier way, right? Unfortunately, this happens to me more than I’d like to admit.

However, even for an avoider like myself, there are the times where there is no other way, and you have to draw on every bit of your strength and motivation to get it done.

I was a kid once. Yep, true story.
I have a vague memory from my childhood of when I was in England, on holiday with my family. During our time there we stopped by to visit some friends who owned a farm. It was winter, so I’m guessing there would have been gumboots, rain and mud involved. In fact, it was probably something quite similar to a scene out of Peppa Pig. As my parents most likely sat down to some tea and scones, my six-year-old self and newfound friend of a similar age wandered off to explore the great countryside of the Mother Land.

Throughout our adventures, I’m sure we crossed vast fields, scaled the mightiest of mountains, waded though the boggiest of marshes and fought off the occasional troll. However, at one stage we came across a small weir (a low dam built across a river to raise the level of water upstream or regulate its flow) in a near by creek. I, of course, was curious, having not seen one before and wanted to check it out. On my observation I could see that on one side there was water circulating and surging up but on the other side, a muddy trench that would have only had its thirst quenched by the passing showers. I could see that there was a problem; it was right there in front of us. The problem was that the only thing in the way of the water flowing from one side to the other, was that the lever needed turning for the gate to open up and let the water pass though. So as the young, curious and intrepid explorers that we were, we thought we would have a go and try and open it.

It was a hard task, even for a six-year-old. We could have just left it, but we were not going to be beaten. We had conquered so much already and we were ready to take on the world! We started out taking it in turns; probably because of the fact that whoever’s parent came out and caught us at any moment, that particular child would get into trouble. But anyhow… We were unstoppable! With each turn we both had a little bit of movement, but it wasn’t enough, so determination to succeed overwhelmed the risk of getting into trouble.

We joined forces and with every bit of strength we collectively channelled our inner super powers; we pushed, twisted, grunted and groaned! Then eventually, after all the elbow grease, blisters, blood, sweat and tears, we caused a shift. A shift that created enough momentum to see the gate open and see the water released. Everything that was once dammed on one side was set free, abundantly flowing out across what used to be a muddy trench. What used to be a place where things were malnourished, mouldy and struggled to survive in a bubbling cesspool that only some kind of amoebic colony would call home, would now have life! It would now be able to grow, see it’s full potential in flourishing life… And all it took was a little determination and perseverance from two kids who wanted to see a river flow.

The Apostle Paul writes;

“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 3:14

Paul wrote these words when he was most likely in, or on his way to prison, which would then be followed up by a death sentence. So he doesn’t just say these words lightly, he was as actually keen as mustard to see what God had for him, despite his circumstances.

The Oxford dictionary explains that the word Press as to move, or cause to move into a position of contact with something by exerting continuous physical force. Other ways to read it could be to; Thrust, Squeeze, Compress, Pulverize, Embrace, Clutch, Grasp, Swarm, Advance insistently, Soldier on and Persevere.

God is after tenacious and eager people. He so desperately wants us to be fascinated by Him. He wants us to see what happens when we push on the lever of the floodgates of Heaven. He is stirring and motivated and so should those that love him be stirring and motivated.

“Open up, ancient gates! Open up, ancient doors, and let the King of glory enter.” Psalm 24:7

Words by Lance Cooper

“If one falls down, his friend can help him up.”
Ecclesiastes 4:10

I could hear the frustration in Mark’s voice from the other room and immediately thought “he must be using the computer”. Sure enough, when I entered the lounge room, there he was, bashing away at the keyboard. I asked if he wanted some help and his response was “why doesn’t it just work?”
“I don’t know, would you like me to take a look?”

Mark is one of the most patient men I know, but like all of us, he has his limits. When other men would throw their tools down in disgust, Mark just keeps going until he gets the job done. I would love to have his patience.

Wait a minute, I do have his patience.
You see I can happily spend hours trying to work out what is wrong with the computer, but five minutes behind a driver going 60 in the 80 zone, then 110 when you have the potential to overtake them, does my head in. If there’s one thing I have learned after seven years of marriage, it is this: we both have strengths and weaknesses in different areas and it’s what we choose to believe about each other that makes all the difference.

I could get frustrated with Mark when he insists on trying to fix his computer problem instead of letting me help him. And I could get frustrated with him when I try to show him what he is doing wrong with the computer and he refuses to learn, (he says he doesn’t need to, apparently that’s why he married me), but I don’t (well most of the time anyway). He could get frustrated with me when I tell him how to drive, but most of the time he simply points out that he’s done alright so far and doesn’t need my help.

There’s a fine line between ‘just wanting to help’ and ‘nagging’ and between ‘showing someone grace’ and ‘making them feel stupid’. On the other hand, if we keep in mind what the other person’s intentions are, we would avoid many problems. Ask yourself, “are they really trying to make me look stupid? Or are they just trying to help?” “Are they questioning my competence? Or are they suggesting a way to make life easier?” When we choose to believe the best about one another, we walk away feeling grateful for their help and not inadequate and misjudged.

I wonder how many times we have felt resentment towards someone who is just trying to help? I wonder how many times we have let our egos dictate what flies out of our mouths, without taking a moment to consider what their motive was? Sure, sometimes people are trying to make us feel stupid and inadequate, but isn’t it better to believe the best about people and, if we are wrong, then at least we are being humble and not haughty. Being a friend means helping someone when they fall, let’s try and think about that the next time we see someone struggling.

Written by Jacqui