In frustration the container flies across the room. Hot tears pool in her eyes and a high pitched squeal escapes her lips. 

Lately, as I watch my daughter play I can see the weight of frustration and discouragement when something doesn’t work the way she wants it to. Or when she doesn’t have the skill or strength. She knows the lid comes off but she can’t do it so the entire container goes flying. She has her hands full and can’t pick up that last puff ball so all the balls go into the air and land at her feet. 

Many times I see my daughter “throw in the towel.” I see her get weary, give up. And as the tears pool in her eyes and her expression turns sour I understand. I have been there. I am their many days. Many days tasks seem daunting and overwhelming. Many days I stare in frustration wondering how to get that lid off.

How do I move forward? How do I grow in the face of my daily giants? 

Life is full of giants whether we are one, thirty or sixty. Our hands get full and we can’t pick up the last little thing. The lid is on so tight we are sweating trying to get it off. Frustration, discouragment…the weights we feel pressing. 

So often I stand there. Feeling defeated. Tears drying on my cheeks. Stubborn. Afraid to ask for help. Afraid to feel weak in front of my friends, my husband, my God. 

However, does seeing someone admit weakness and have humility actually make us like them less? Does truth make us run or disown them? When we see a toddler struggling to do a task do we let them suffer or do we reach down and help them, direct them? 

Likewise, can we reach out to a friend, co-worker, spouse when their hands are full or the lid is stuck? Are we so wrapped up in our own fears that we can’t give relief to another? 

God is greater than all our giants. God already has victory. We need to tap into it. All we need to do is ask and trust that He is bigger than life’s giants. He will bring relief. And we sometimes are the vessels He uses. Are we willing? 

 

Philippians 2:3-4 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. ESV

Ephesians 6:10-12  A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. NLT

Isaiah 41:10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. ESV