August 17 Thought for the day...when you don't know how

There are times when I don't want to do something, I am too tired, too busy, or just simply have no interest. I'll bet you have been there too. However, for me, there is nothing more frustrating than needing to do something and not knowing how. Paul addressed one aspect of this...

"Likewise, the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered" Romans 8:26

How many times have you found yourself in an impossible situation and you didn't even know how to adequately pray? The word translated "helps" here shows us just what God does for us. It means the Holy Spirit comes to us, partners with us to guide us, direct us, and meet us in every way we need to allow us to achieve the goal. We are no longer walking alone. Instead, we are co-laborers together hand in hand with the Lord. How cool is that!

The word weakness here has to do with brokenness, weakness, or sickness in body, mind, or emotions focusing in on the spiritual root because "we do not know what we should pray." Interestingly the word "what" means something that is little or insignificant. Paul is saying here that we are at such a loss that even the small things are beyond us. We are so limited in our view and understanding because of what we are going through nothing really makes sense. This is why the Holy Spirit partners with us at this time.

How the Holy Spirit does this is through "intercession." An interesting thing about this word is this is the only time this specific word is used in the Bible. It means to drop down and help someone, to rescue them. It is like you have fallen into a deep ditch and the Holy Spirit drops down into the ditch with you, assesses the situation and knows exactly how to deliver you.

Have you ever been in a place where you didn't know what to do, your back was against the wall with no way of escape, or you were so overwhelmed you couldn't think or move? Then you are a perfect candidate for what the Holy Spirit can do! He is amazing if we will allow Him to be! He can swoop to our rescue even if we are totally clueless as to what to do, assess the problem and deliver us out of it if we will just come to Him and ask! Don't wait...start asking!