Helping Hand

Anyone who knows my Father, Zachary C. Jeffers, knows beyond a shadow of a doubt that there is one word that describes him….that one word is Warrior. A warrior is a person that demonstrates great vigor, courage and skillfulness in the face of battle. My Dad is a pugilist, a fighter a soldier in the army of God. He has stepped up and volunteered for many battles and has witnessed first hand the power, love and delivering power of God. He trusts God with an unwavering faith. I have never doubted for one minute that He has ultimately placed his destiny and his life in the care of God. He has seen victories on mountain tops and he has experienced tests/trials through valleys, but no matter whether the situation has called for Him to be up or down, he has allowed the joy of the Lord, the recognition of His Mercy and the acknowledgement of God’s grace to be his strength and sustaining power.

He is an awesome man, father, friend and brother in the Lord.

My father was diagnosed with cancer in December 2006. As part of the treatment for the disease, he has had to undergo surgery and chemotherapy. This past Monday, I had the honor to once again be by his side through the infusion therapy. I say honor because while I could never repay him for all that he has done for me over the years or the priceless lessons that I have learned from Him, I do consider it an honor to provide support, encouragement and love to him as we battle this thing together.

The chemotherapy on Monday lasted about 5 hours. When I’m with him, I can sense his discomfort at times during the treatment and I often spend time praying for his healing. Upon completion of the chemo this week, we gathered our things and began to start to head out. After trying to stand up, my dad had to immediately sit back down because the therapy had caused his equilibrium to be off. I saw the disappointment and frustration on his face (in my mind I don’t think that he really wanted me to see him struggle in that manner). I assured him that we were in no rush and asked him to take a few minutes to gather himself before we attempted to head out. He rested for all of 10 seconds…”I have to do this…I’m going to give it a shot” he declared. He struggled out of the treatment room. Reaching out and stabilizing himself on every secure object that he could find, he intently made his way to the lobby where he sat down while I retrieved the car.

As I walked with my dad from the treatment room, I tried to help him, but he politely let me know that He wanted to do it by himself. Even though he resisted my help, I still walked with Him every step of the way and I positioned myself so that I could catch him in the event that he fell. As people passed by and gazed at us, I imagined that they were thinking one of two things. “Doesn’t that young man see his father struggling? Why doesn’t He help him?” or “Why won’t that older man let the younger man help him? He definitely looks capable?”

This experience led me to reflect on my relationship with God. There have been many times in my life when I have tried to do things in my own strength. The challenges of life have held me down, but I have tried to carry life’s load on my own. God has been there every step of the way…His hand outstretched…desiring to help me…but prepared to catch me in case I fall. I have often refused His help or discounted the extent of His Love or His ability or willingness to help me. I’m sure that there have been people who have watch me and thought the same thoughts that I imagined that they were thinking at the hospital “Why is God allowing him to go through this? Or Why won’t he allow God to help him get through the situation?”

Well…I am learning more and more each day especially when I’m faced with adversities, challenges and fears to totally depend on God. He has said:

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)

Are you struggling to try to make it on your own? Are you feeling the weight of life bearing down on you? OR Are you so “successful” that you feel like you got it all together and are making it just fine? In either case, I pray that you realize today that God is just a step away. He is willing to help whether or not you want to allow Him too, and even if you choose not to take Him up on His offer and you fall…He is still standing with His hand outstretched to pick you up when you fall.

Help is not on the way…help is here today.

Be Blessed,
B