“I got myself into this mess. Now I have to get myself out.”
I’m willing to bet that you’ve heard some version of that saying in a movie or a book somewhere. The protagonist realizes that they have created a mess, probably at some point made it worse, and now they must use their newly acquired knowledge (from all their mistakes) to make things better.
It’s good storytelling and can make for a compelling character arc but its a terrible way to live.
I got this.
I often find myself in situations where I’m not sure what to do. I’ll look at what I see as available options, rack my brain, and try to find a way “to get myself out”. Sometimes this works, but lots of times I end up in a worse situation or I solve an old problem by creating a new one. (I can’t sleep. I drink whiskey and it helps me sleep. Problem solved. Now I can’t sleep without whiskey. New problem emerges. See what I mean?)
I don’t got this?
No. Here is where the I get to the point. There is alternative. Check out 2 Obadiah 4:12:
“If any of you lacks wisdom, dig deep and figure it out on your own. You got yourself into the this mess. Now you get yourself out. God only helps those that help themselves.”
Ever heard of 2 Obadiah 4:12? Good, because I just made it up. God never said any of the nonsense you’ll find in the fake quote above but I still find myself living my life that way from time to time.
An actual quote.
The answers we are REALLY looking for can be found in an actual place in the Bible. I’m talking about James 1:5 and it says:
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
Look to God for an answer and not yourself. Is your situation your fault? Doesn’t matter. God says He’s going to give wisdom without asking who’s fault it is. How much will he give? “Generously” means a lot. Who is going to be given this wisdom? “You”
Read it again.
I quote this verse to myself over and over again because I find that my natural inclination is to go back to 2 Obadiah 4:12 (remember, I made that up, right?). I have to remind myself to go to God and not just dig in and hope for the best.
Whatever you are faced with today, ask God for wisdom about how to handle it. He WILL give that wisdom to you. Then, get out there and do it!
Thanks for taking the time to write this, Obadiah. I love the way you use words, while using humor and also getting to the deep stuff, and letting us know God will help you whatever the circumstance. I can see some truth in 2 Obadiah 4:12, especially the part about gettinng yourself into messes :). God Bless and have a wonderfull weekend.