I don’t know if you’ve ever experienced this in your life: You just didn’t know how to tell people “No.” You may be that kind of person that always loves to help others and always says, “I’ll do it.” There may even have been times you knew something was beyond your power but you still couldn’t refuse. Someone came to you and said, “Please I don’t have accommodation, can I stay with you for a while?” and you said, “No problem, you can stay.” The next week, another one came with the same problem and you accepted him, but you had only one room and before you knew it, you had a big problem on your hands just because you couldn’t say “No.”
There are times we will find ourselves at the limit where we cannot help. That’s when we have to remember there’s One who knows all things and has all power, and thankfully, He never says no to a genuine cry for help. He says, “Call upon me in the day of trouble and I will hear you” (Psalm 50:15).
Now maybe you’re wondering, “But Pastor Anita, are you saying I shouldn’t help my brother or sister who’s in need?” Of course not! God’s Word tells us to do good to all men, especially to those that belong in the household of faith. But you need to apply wisdom and have a balance. There are people who would want to take advantage of you simply because you’re a Christian who believes in doing good and helping people according to God’s Word. Be eager to help others, be sensitive to their needs but also be wise and smart. Sometimes, you’ll realize a situation is much more than you can handle on your own.
A constant demand by others for your time, effort, counsel, money… without the opportunity for you to get refilled can leave you with nothing to draw on for yourself, and you may become spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally and even financially bankrupt as a result. Remember, you’re not God, He’s the only one with the ability to solve all problems, so know when to say “No.”
