In Sacrament Meeting today, I heard the story of a preacher who got caught in a flood and prayed for deliverance. When the water rose to the preacher's porch, a neighbor paddled over in a canoe and told the preacher it was time to go, but the preacher chose to say, trusting that God would save him. Yet, the water rose, and when the water reached the preacher's balcony, a neighbor in a motorboat came by and told the preacher that it was time to go, but the preacher again chose to stay, trusting that God would save him. Yet, the water kept rising, and when the water reached the preacher's roof, a helicopter came by and lowered a ladder to him, telling him that this was his last chance, and he really had to go. But the preacher again chose to stay, trusting that God would save him. Ultimately, the flood completely consumer the preacher's house and the preacher, and when the preacher reached heaven, he asked God why He didn't save him, and God asked him, "What did you want from me? I sent you two boats and a helicopter." Also, I think it would add to the story if the preacher had an inflatable raft tucked away, unused, in his garage.
We all experience times of trouble, and we naturally ask God to help us, yet the help that God sends our way usually comes through other people or through the blessings God has already given us. Sure, God could save us miraculously, but he usually expects us to save ourselves and each other. God has blessed us with the abilities to help ourselves and each other, and we need to use those abilities (and accept help from others using those abilities) in order to do His work. Granted, if the canoe had a leak in it, I maybe wouldn't trust it with my life, but barring inability, we're generally expected to do what we can and to accept help from those who can help us.
I sometimes think that, in addition to being an actual, eternal being, God is also a motivating idea, like Karma or Santa Claus, that motivates people to do good for themselves and others and to appreciate the good in the world. If we all try to help ourselves and each other, God can work miracles in our lives and in the lives of others, all through the acts of mortals like us.
So, when we get help from others and/or have the ability to do what we need to do for ourselves without help, we should thank God for our friends and our own abilities. And when we ask for help from God, we shouldn't be too surprised if that help come from inside us or from our friends. Sure, God can work miracles directly, but it's even more of a blessing that God often works His miracles through people like us.
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