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You don’t need to be a Hero

August 30, 2013 cm-admin Inspire 2

30 Aug 2013 by Adeline Lum CM-

Ideas of heroism sifted in us. Everyone wants to be that heroic movie figure; that guy who saved the day with ease, overcoming every catastrophic event with a smile, sheer brilliance and of course, some muscles wouldn’t hurt too. Not to mention, that girl with the brightest smile, kindest character, confident, sophisticated, and attractive. No matter what happens, she takes it face-forward with a light-hearted step, knowing that everything is under control.

But the idea of being independent and victorious has caused much stress to people. We are chasing the idea of the formidable perfection, projected not only by made-up characters in the television but also advertisements as well. Because of that idea, we find it challenging sometimes to share our problems and be a normal human being who calls for help at times.

‘Help’ is a taboo word especially for those who grow up in the western culture. It is shunned upon; it is a declaration that you are weak and unable to solve your problems. “Wait! The problem is you! You have a problem because you are the problem,” we squirmed at that possible notion we may project. Hence, many people turn to Google for answers instead of their companions, parents or mentors, lest their formidable reputation would tarnish.

But God wants us to say, “Help Lord! Help me please! Help me in this!” Acknowledging that we need God is hard, although it is really the fact. We tell ourselves while trudging our feet like a wounded soldier, “I can handle this. I can do this. And I will make it through this alone.” Confidence in going through a trial is commendable, but do we have to go through this alone?

There are many heroes in the Bible who went through lonely times and no one felt loneliness more than David. His son rose against him, the men of Israel went after him, and he was forced to leave the city, his family, and his home. David was lonely and afflicted (Psalm 25:16). But what did he do? He turned to God and pled for His mercy and intervention (Psalm 25:21). David went through lonely times but he was never alone. It is also interesting to note that the word ‘lonely’ is never used in the New Testament to describe people, because we are not alone. At any time, we have God the Father, the Holy Spirit, and Jesus Christ with us. Now, that is a party! And to look at it, God himself is a fellowship being with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Hence, we do not need to be lonely heroes in life; the kind who gets everything under control, ever-ready smile, sparkly eyes, ironed clothes, sleek, polite, calm, and wise (or whatever a formidable hero may project). God doesn’t want all these superficialities but He wants everything of the real you- the messy bit, the imperfections, the groaning, the lamentations, the brokenness and the sorrows. He is near to a broken and contrite heart (Psalm 34:18). The good news is that we don’t need to be the hero when God is the hero of our lives. Draw close to God and He will draw close to you (James 4:8).