STUCK?
By Cindi Bohmann
It started out as an ordinary day for a Corpus Christi ATM workman. The worker was changing a lock to a room that led to the back of the ATM when the door shut. Having left his cellphone and swipe card that he needed to get out in his truck, he was left with only one way to communicate and hope for help. That worker must have felt his situation was without hope! He began sliding notes through the ATM cash slot. One note said: "Please help. I'm stuck in here and I don't have my phone. Please call my boss...” People withdrawing cash thought it was a joke, but lucky for him, one person called the police who came to his rescue and broke down the door.
At times in our lives, the feeling of being “stuck" can be overwhelming, can't it? Especially now with Covid-19 and the “Stay at Home” and social distancing. Even without Covid-19, sometimes it feels as if you can’t get ahead or out of your "stuck" place. Those bills keep coming, your family has daily needs to be met, and your boss is on your back to do more work, in less time. Doesn't your daily life seem like bricks on your shoulders, weighing you down and keeping you stuck? Oh, Lord, how do I get" unstuck?"
“The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trust in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.” (Psalm 28:7) Wow! The Lord is our strength and shield. He is there to protect us and guide us. Wherever we are "stuck" we need to trust him for help and give Him thanks!
“We know that all things work together for good to those who love God.” (Romans 8:28) "All things, God?" What about that job I don't enjoy but is necessary to survive? Or how about being stuck in a health crisis? What is good about that, Lord? When you are stuck in the moment, it is difficult to see the "good' when your situation seems hopeless. I am sure that trapped ATM worker saw no good as he realized there was no easy way out of the locked room.
Getting "unstuck" may not be quick or easy. We might be "stuck "longer than we think we can handle or face an unpleasant outcome. Then what do we do? "Come to me all of you who are tired from the heavy burden you have been forced to carry. I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
What is your answer to getting "unstuck" that doesn't involve a cell phone, a swipe card or notes passed through an ATM slot? God is there and ready to get you released and "unstuck!" You may not receive the answer your heart desires, but HE promises to carry our burden and give us strength.
And with God, you will never be "stuck "without hope!
Prayer: Lord, in with your gracious provision, rescue me from whatever situation I am “stuck” in. May I give you thanks and praise. Amen.