Small tasks can be major obstacles. Pumping up soft tyres is a small job. However you can overthink it. What if the valve doesn’t work, and all the air leaves, and the tyre remains flat forever? What if the calibration is off, and the tyre explodes? What if the pieces of flying rubber injure some one. Maybe a soft tyre isn’t so bad after all.
There are other tasks that are challenging. Reloading and linking an authenticator app on a phone, or getting a wayward printer to work. Or even worse trying to do some powerwashing. Trying to put all the pieces together, apparently with hoses and electricity is almost impossible. And then the end result is meant to be cleaning the ground rather than getting soaked with mud and grime. I got splatted with a torrent of filthy water which smelt very strongly.
Despite all the difficulties of these practical tasks, the only way to learn something new is to try. Trying something different can be uncomfortable, scary and undignified. Yet the only way to learn is to see what happens.
The other thing I have discovered, is that it is ok to ask for help. Knowing an IT person who can advise on technology and explaining the problem can be wise. Speaking to an experienced power washer operator, can enable the right connections to be made so the water flows in the right direction.
Above all else, we can ask God for help. He loves to hear the prayers that we bring, and to bless us. In Isaiah 41:10 it says:
‘Do not fear, for I am with you… I will strengthen you, I will help you.’
Often an unfamiliar or unexpected task can seem daunting. We can worry it will never work out. Taking a deep breath, saying a prayer and trying one more time can work. Asking for help where necessary, can also be ok. Life is so complicated these days- technology, mechanics and electronics. We are expected to learn all these skills! Whether this is truly achievable, is another matter.
Gracious God, we are so thankful that You know all things, and that You alone know the end from the beginning. You call us to be followers of Jesus, to love, to forgive, to pray, to heal. We seek to live well in the world, but we are easily put off by mishaps and obstacles. Give us courage to persevere, to learn, to ask for help, to be positive. Thank you that your Holy Spirit often inspires us, and helps us go in new directions. May we be open to your call, to try new things and when we struggle, to be brave enough to persevere. Amen
