Stuck in the ditch - *

While traveling across some open country, a driver ran off the road into a muddy ditch. He was unable to get out on his own, but noticed a farmhouse nearby and asked the owner for help. The farmer hitched his horse to the bumper of the car and yelled “Pull, Coco, pull!” Nothing happened. The farmer then yelled “Pull, Buddy, pull!” Again, nothing happened. Next the farmer called “Pull, Rebel, pull!” Still nothing. Finally, the farmer yelled “Pull, Ginger, pull!” And with that, the horse responded by dragging the car onto solid ground.

The driver first expressed his gratitude for the assistance, but asked why the farmer had called his horse by the wrong name three times. “He’s blind,” said the farmer, “and if he knew he was alone, he wouldn’t try at all.”

There are times that we are like that horse. We’re likely to become paralyzed when we feel that we have to do it on our own. But we don’t. In Psalm 46 we read, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride... The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold." Philippians 4:13 says “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” And in Matthew 11:28-29, Jesus Himself said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

Often when we are overwhelmed by crises and challenges that loom all around us, it is because we're trying to conquer them entirely on our own. Or sometimes we consider the situation and determine what ought to be done, then ask God to cooperate with our will. Neither approach is the best one. Rather, we should first seek the will of God in the situation, then ask His assistance to help us to conform to His will.

This prayer, found here, is a beautiful way to ask for God's guidance and help.

Our Father,

may everything I do begin with Your Inspiration,

continue with Your Help,

and reach perfection under Your Guidance.

With Your loving care guide me in my daily actions.

Help me to persevere with love and sincerity.

Teach me to judge wisely the things of earth

and to love the things of Heaven.

Keep me in Your presence

and never let me be separated from You.

Your Spirit made me Your child,

confident to call You Father.

Make Your Love the foundation of my life.

Teach me to long for Heaven.

May its promise and hope

guide my way on earth

until I reach eternal life with You.