"Pit-Dwellers" and "Pit-Pullers": Helping the Hurting

04/29/10

Author: Beth Moore

Have you ever tried to help someone who has slipped into a pit? You can comfort. You can listen. You can pray. But people simply can’t be Divine. The higher the expectation someone has for us, the further we fall in their eyes.

People can help us, but they can’t heal us. People can lift us, but they can’t carry us. On occasion, people can pull us out of a pit, but they cannot keep us out. Nor can they set our frail feet upon a rock. When we come out of a pit, if our idea if stability is standing on another human’s shoulders, his clay feet will inevitably crumble and we’ll take a tumble. The job is too big for him or her.

Paul promised in 2 Corinthians 1:10 that “He has delivered us from such a deadly peril and He will deliver us.” The psalmist promised “The Sovereign Lord alone is my strong deliverer.” (Psalm 140:7)  God alone has shoulders big enough to bear our weight. Too often a “drainer” comes into our lives, or we ourselves are “drainers” to one who has sought to help us out of a pit. But somehow the relationship deteriorated. A comforting friend listened patiently and prayed and prayed fervently. Long hours of talking ensued. Problems were re-hashed, but no progress was made. The counselee became co-dependent and the friendship became strained. At one time or another, each one of us has probably been a “pit dweller” or a “pit puller.”

Even if we are unselfish and undistracted enough to give a person our all for an indefinite period of time, can we save them from themselves? Probably not.

Does this mean we shouldn’t assume the role of “burden bearers” or “pit-pullers?” No! We may be hopelessly inadequate as saviors and deliverers, but we can be powerful influencers. We can impact some “pit dweller’s” life by our example. We can show him or her that living life outside of the pit is possible. As encouragers, we can model spiritual maturity and inspire them to settle on high ground. We can intercede for our brothers and sisters in the mire.

“On Him we have set our hope that He will continue to deliver us as you help us by your prayers.”  Wise words of Paul in 2 Corinthians 1:10-11. As intercessors, we stand before the throne on behalf of those who are wounded and hurting. We can encourage the defeated pit-dweller. The writer to the Hebrews invites us to “…Encourage one another daily…that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” (Hebrews 3:13) Don’t let your journey-mate believe a lie. Victory is possible!

We can doggedly direct them to Christ. The friends of the paralyzed man in Luke 5:18 cut a hole in the roof and lowered the ailing man before Jesus to be forgiven and healed. Finally, we can comfort and counsel the hurting person. God the Holy Spirit is the paraclete, the “One who comes alongside” us to guide and console. Be aware that a professional Christian counselor may be needed to heal deeper hurts or entrenched strongholds. “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way fulfill the Law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)

We may be Jesus’ hands and heart for those around us, but there is only One strong enough to save. Love completely, pray fervently, but let Jesus be Jesus.

 

 

 

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