"Where there is no counsel, plans fail; but in a multitude of counselors they are established." - Proverbs 15:22
Being able to ask for help in your time of need is crucial to your success. When you’re struggling to make a goal, frustrated with your progress or lack of resources, and are maybe even angry at God - that’s when it’s time to take a step back and let go of your pride. So what if you ask for help from someone? Does that make it more the other person’s work by doing so? In a simple word, NO.
Made to Help
Humans are wired to want to be of help to one another. Moreover, the first woman (Eve) was created to be a helpmate to the first man (Adam). That meant not just to be a partner with whom to procreate, but to share in his experiences, supporting him where needed. Any good counselor will tell you that the success of a relationship is determined by your willingness to work things out by agreeing to work together. It’s not about taking over someone’s role, but supporting it; doing that will draw out his or her potential, which is the greatest prize. This can apply to friendships, classmates, and even church family.
Doing Unto Others
When you desire to help someone in their moments of despair, don’t you do it knowing that if you were in that same position, you would want the help in return? That’s how we are supposed to live our lives. Jesus had compassion on everyone He met, knowing that by sharing what He could to help others, not only did it enable them to go on to complete their live-purposes (which in many cases was just to be healthy), but it showed that by extending help to the needy is our duty as fellow humans. In Jesus’ case, his display of servitude also displayed His strength of character and exemplified His power.
Goal Setting
It can be disheartening to see your plans go up in smoke (sometimes literally!), but your plans are not made to last. Situations change, people change. That is why "Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’" (James 4:15) You don’t know what today holds, or what tomorrow brings. It could be better things or worse - but know that as humans we are all in this together. Your failures are universal, just as your joys and triumphs are. Therefore, recognize that when someone has the ability to help you, you are not giving up control of your life - just the stress and uncertainty that comes from not knowing what to do. Running ideas by someone can therapeutic, making you think clearer or approach the situation from a different angle you wouldn’t have done before. Praying to God for help can keep you from making selfish choices. While it’s up to you on how to live your life, no one benefits from total isolation from mankind - it’s a lose-lose situation. Can you really afford to go down that lonely road? Not if you want to really make your mark in this world.
