Waiting for Help That Seems Impossible

Are you facing a problem that you cannot possibly overcome on your own? Something that requires a solution beyond human ability? Or has the help you have been hoping for from God not yet come?

How do you respond as you struggle with this?

Through these four women, we will learn how to respond rightly to problems that seem impossible, and what the consequences will be later on.

One Problem, Four Reactions

A number of conditions that a century ago were considered fatal, such as pneumonia, can now be treated with proper medicine and care. However, the difficult condition of having no children, from long ago until now, still has a serious impact on a person's life.

This is what happened to four women in the Bible. All four longed for children, but each had a different attitude in her waiting and struggle.

1. Sarai - Looking for a Shortcut (Genesis 16:1-11)

Then the LORD brought Abram outside and said, "Try to look at the sky and count the stars, if you can count them." Then He said to him, "So shall your descendants be." - Genesis 15:5

That was God's promise to Abram. In reality, the years passed, but his wife Sarai still did not conceive. So, what did Sarai do?

Then Sarai said to Abram, "You know that the LORD has kept me from bearing children. Therefore, go in to my servant; perhaps through her I may obtain a child." And Abram listened to Sarai. - Genesis 16:2

Instead of asking for God's help, Sarai made her own plan. As a result, when Hagar conceived Abram's child, a new problem arose: Hagar looked down on Sarai. Unable to accept such treatment, Sarai in turn mistreated her. Hagar then ran away, though she eventually returned because the angel of the Lord told her to go back.

By not trusting His promise, Sarai not only wounded God's heart, but also hurt herself by being looked down on by her servant.

Perhaps right now we are disappointed and despairing. Our patience is gone because the struggle seems never to end. Yet keep trusting in God's goodness and care, because He always gives what is best for us.

“We know now that God works in all things for the good of those who love Him, that is, those who are called according to God's purpose.” - Romans 8:28

2. Rachel - Having a Negative Attitude and Speaking Negatively (Genesis 30:1-24)

When Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children, she envied her sister and said to Jacob, "Give me children, or I shall die." - Genesis 30:1

Jealous because the Lord had granted her sister Leah four children in a row while she herself was barren, Rachel spoke negative words to Jacob. This made Jacob angry. Rachel then gave her servant to Jacob, who later gave birth to Dan, and then Naphtali.

Rachel did have to wait a long time to have children, but God still remembered her (Genesis 30:22-24). The birth of Joseph took away Rachel's disgrace, and a few years later she gave birth to Benjamin (Genesis 35:16).

Sometimes we have to wait a long time for an answer to prayer or for help, but that does not mean God has forgotten us. Keep praying faithfully and hope for the best from Him, because He is a faithful God (2 Thessalonians 3:3, 2 Timothy 2:13).

“For the LORD is good; His steadfast love endures forever, and His faithfulness continues through all generations.” - Psalm 100:5

3. Hannah - Coming to God and Asking for His Help (1 Samuel 1)

And so it happened year after year; every time Hannah went to the house of the LORD, Peninnah hurt Hannah so deeply that she wept and would not eat. - 1 Samuel 1:7

Not only was Hannah's husband's love divided because of Peninnah, but the Lord had also closed her womb, and Peninnah continually wounded her heart. One can imagine how heavy Hannah's suffering was.

Yet Hannah's response to her situation was to come and ask for God's help. In the sanctuary, she poured out all her anxiety and heartache, even promising that she would dedicate her child to be a servant of the Lord.

What is worth noting is Hannah's attitude after praying: she became calm. No longer refusing to eat and no longer downcast. Though she may still have been confused about her condition, Hannah believed that God heard her distress and her plea.

A year later Samuel was born. After the child was weaned, Hannah fulfilled her promise by bringing him to the house of the Lord. She entrusted Samuel to God to be used according to His will. And what happened? God gave Hannah three sons and two daughters in place of the child she had offered (1 Samuel 2:21).

4. Manoah's Wife - Asking for God's Guidance and Obeying It (Judges 13:2-24)

At that time there was a man from Zorah, from the family of the Danites, whose name was Manoah; his wife was barren and had no children. - Judges 13:2

Manoah's wife was indeed not a famous figure, and her name is not even mentioned in the Bible. Yet God was pleased to send His angel to tell the woman that she would bear a son who would later become a judge of Israel, namely Samson.

After hearing his wife's account, Manoah pleaded that God would send His servant again to teach them what was required for their son. And when God answered Manoah's prayer and sent His angel again, the husband and wife listened and obeyed all the instructions given.

When we come to God and ask for His help, obey the guidance He gives, even if it may not fit the desires of our hearts. God's guidance can come from the word we meditate on, from spiritual mentors, from fellow believers, or from servants of God. When we are humble enough to do it, good results will surely follow.

If you are facing a problem that you cannot resolve by your own strength, learn to respond with the right attitude, namely by bringing your struggle in prayer. Avoid relying on your own understanding or being negative. When you receive guidance from God, do it. And if you make a vow to God, fulfill it when God answers your prayer.

Above all, remember that nothing is impossible for God. He is able to resolve every problem in His own way and in His own time. Amen.