Called to be a Helper- yes, you too! - Jeff and Alyssa

photo-25-1024x683We were created by a loving, almighty, powerful God. The God. And not only did He hand craft us, being intentional with every cell, every muscle and bone structure, but He made us in His image. We are made to be image bearers of our awesome God.

“So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” Genesis 1:27

As women, we were specifically designed to be helpers. Genesis 2:18 says, “Then the LORD God said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”

And so God beautifully created woman. He artfully shaped us in His image, with a specific role.

A lot of women cringe at the word “helper”. You may be envisioning yourself dressed in a maid’s outfit. You may get an image in your head of getting married, and putting all of your dreams and skills aside to work like a mad woman and do all the dirty work. Or you may think of the movie “The Help” (so good!). But that’s not what God meant when he said we are helpers. Yes, it’s true that you may do dishes and laundry and make dinner every night, but that’s not what it’s all about! It’s not a curse to be a helper, but rather it’s a gift.

We are made to reflect Christ. To bear His image. Throughout the bible it talks of how God is our help & the Holy Spirit is our Helper.

Ps. 10:14 “But You do see, for you note mischief and vexation, that you may take it into your hands; to you the helpless commits himself; you have been the helper of the fatherless.”

Psalm 18:6 “In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears.”

Psalm 22:19 “But you, O Lord, do not be far off! O you my help, come quickly to my aid!”

Psalm 33:20 “Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.”

Psalm 70:5 “But I am poor and needy; hasten to me, O God! You are my help and my deliverer; O LORD, do not delay!”

When I read through those few verses, I want to get on my knees and cry out “thank you!” My God helps me. The Lord knows how desperate I am for His help. I am so needy and weak—and I have Him as my help, and the Holy Spirit as my Helper- every moment of every day. He is strong. He defends. He’s my shield. My wisdom. My strength. My courage. He rescues. He sustains. He nourishes. He takes care of me. I can cry to Him in my time of need.

Sister, the Lord is your help. He is available and wants you to call on Him. He wants to take your burdens, your struggles, your doubts, confusions, trials, or even just schedule management and help you. He takes joy in walking with you and being your rest.

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matt. 11:28-30

In the same way, we have the opportunity to reflect Jesus by being a helper. “Helper” (ezer in the original Hebrew) means “to help, nourish, sustain or strengthen.” (“The Gospel Centered Woman”, Wendy Alsup; pg. 12)

Sis, we get to be a helper. We get to reflect Jesus in this specific way made for us. It’s in our DNA. It’s not a weak calling. But it’s one full of courage and strength, that which we get from our Ultimate Helper.

If you’re like me, perhaps you’ve only heard this topic talked about in marriage. And although the verse in Genesis is specifically talking about Adam and Eve, it applies to all women, in all seasons and stages of life.

You are created to be a helper. Now. Today. Right where you’re at. Young. Old. Single. Married. Divorced. Widowed. Parent. Aunt. Mentor. Friend.

So what does that look like in your season of life right now? With the people in your life? The passions you have? The gifts you’ve been given?

Perhaps it’s helping your mom or another family with babysitting. Comforting your friends who are hurting. Serving in an area that you’re passionate about- feeding the homeless, discipling high schoolers, caring for prostitutes, helping end slave trafficking. Supporting, praying for and caring for your husband. Discipling younger women. Providing meals to new moms. Writing an encouraging note. Being involved in children’s lives.

As women, let’s press into our Savior and find rest in Him. Let’s let Him be our Help. Let’s rely on the Spirit to be our Helper. And let us reflect Him to those around us by being helpers.

What do you think of when you hear that women are created as “helpers”? How does knowing that God is our help and the Holy Spirit our Helper encourage you in this calling? How can you help someone in your current season of life?