Ever get tired of stumbling over the same obstacle? Be it a kitchen chair, a backyard structure or an offending cement step, it’s nothing less than frustrating to get caught at the same place doing the same thing on a far too regular basis. Sometimes it’s even dangerous.

Though the topic may seem trivial, it is worthy of some consideration: why do we trip up without learning to avoid the leg of the kitchen chair? What makes us travel the same pathway, knowing we’re most likely to slam our foot against a protruding piece of cement? Why in heaven’s name do we forget that the gate inevitably hits our knuckles if we don’t pull it out quickly? It’s senseless but, at least for me, it happens all too often.

Catching fingers, stubbing toes and tripping over toys are all annoying and can be downright hazardous. Failing to overcome negative habits and faults in our lives can destroy relationships with others and with God, threatening our ability to live meaningful lives.

It’s easy to enumerate some of the really bad things - things such as uncontrolled anger, immorality, cruelty to people and to animals - but it’s easier to hide (we think) others such as unkind thoughts, a critical attitude, and avarice. Who of us hasn’t struggled with his or her own private demons?

Temptation isn’t the problem – we all get tempted – it’s giving in to temptation, regardless of the consequences to ourselves or to others, that is. I know of no other solution than to rely on God for strength to overcome those things I’ve proven I can’t defeat on my own.

“Prove me now.” God says– not only with our finances. (Malachi 3:10)

God isn’t just in the business of helping those who help themselves; He delights in helping those who can’t help themselves!