Help from the Lord (Part Two)
- Richard Selke
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
April 2, 2025
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Some time ago, I shared a story about how our daughter, Lindsay, was almost attacked by a pack of dogs. There’s more to the story, but before I go on, I believe I need to recount the first part:
When I was growing up, one of my weaknesses in sports was that I could not throw a ball very far or very accurately. Playing football, I could run fast and catch the ball fairly consistently. Playing baseball, I could hit the ball well but I was a horrible fielder. It was very clear to me that throwing a ball well was not one of my strengths. That’s one of the reasons I ran track.
One weekend, we were in Galveston. My daughters, Erin and Lindsay, were about four years old. We were walking down to the beach and we had to pass by a vacant house built on piers where we had been warned that a pack of large dogs was hanging around on the deck. They had been bothering people and we needed to be careful.
I told the girls to stay close. While I was walking and talking with my father-in-law and, before I knew it, Lindsay was heading for the beach. I looked up and saw the dogs and they saw her. There were about five or six of them. They started down the stairs, I screamed at Lindsay to stop and I took off running as fast as I could. But I realized there was no way that I could get to Lindsay before the lead dog got to Lindsay. I had a freshly opened can of beer in my hand and, while running at full speed, I threw that can as hard as I could. The dog was about thirty feet from me and closing fast on Lindsay. It wasn’t a very long throw but it was a very important throw. The can hit the lead dog squarely in the head, he yelped and rolled, the other dogs stopped and I got to Lindsay.
My father-in-law was impressed – and I was thankful!
I had known all of my life that I could not throw well. But in that moment, God, in His wisdom, revealed His strength through my weakness when Lindsay and I needed Him the most. I believe God saved Lindsay from whatever might have happened had that dog gotten to her by giving me the ability to accurately and powerfully throw that can and stop that dog. That was a miracle. The Bible says, “But he (Christ Jesus) said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV) This was a moment when I saw that truth come alive in my life.
The Lord is our Helper and He helps us in times of need. Scripture assures us, “I lift up my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2 (NIV)
So that’s the story so far. But there’s more to it.
Years later, I had gone to seminary and was going through a probationary process with a group of pastors before we were ordained as full elders. When you do that, you have to submit written answers to a lot of questions. And one of the questions was “What is your personal experience of God’s grace?” As part of my answer, I told that story.
Some elders had offered to review the drafts of our answers before we turned in our final responses. One of the pastors commented, “You know, you really shouldn’t put that story in.”
Surprised, I asked, “Why not?”
He replied, “How do you know it wasn’t just luck or coincidence? Someone reviewing your answers may think you’re a little off in your beliefs.”
I said, “How? It’s pretty obvious to me what happened. I believe that in that moment of danger, God intervened and empowered me with the ability to make that throw.”
But that pastor remained resolute, “Well, I suggest you take it out.”
So, I thought about it – for a long time. And you know what I did? I took it out.
Forgive me, Lord. Please, forgive me.
You see, I wanted to be an elder and, at that particular time, being an elder in that denomination was more important to me than being a witness to others about how God had moved in my life. I allowed someone to interfere with my witness for Christ.
I should not have taken that story out. I had an opportunity to testify about God’s presence, love, mercy and grace in my life and I was excited to do so. However, I chose not to tell it because someone told me it might interfere with me achieving a personal goal, even though, ironically, it was in pursuit of ministry for Him.
Have you ever hesitated to share how God has worked in your life because you feared what others might think? If so, you’re not alone. But Jesus calls us to be His witnesses, even when it’s difficult.
How do I know for sure it was God? Some folks, including some pastors, might interpret what happened as simply good luck or coincidence.
I’m reminded of the blind man whom Jesus healed. When asked how, he simply said, “One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” John 9:25, NIV. For me, all I know is that I couldn’t throw, and in that particular moment, I threw like Nolan Ryan.
While I appreciate that there may be possible alternative explanations, I believe God worked through me to protect one of the most precious people in my life, my daughter Lindsay. I believe in God and His promises. That’s my worldview. As a Christian believer, faith in God, not luck or coincidence, is my default. Jesus is Lord, and I praise Him!
Tell your stories! Our testimonies glorify God and strengthen our faith and the faith of others. Don’t let fear or doubt silence what God has done in your life – share it boldly, and live as His witnesses, every day.
REMEMBER & BELIEVE
Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again.
In the meantime, tell your stories!
QUESTIONS
How has the Lord helped you when you could not help yourself? Have you told anyone?
PRAYER
Lord, we are thankful that You are our God and our Creator. We are thankful for the strengths you have given us. May we use them to serve You and others. And we are also thankful for our weaknesses. We trust You and are confident that when we are in need, You will help us according to your Will.
Our Father Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil and the evil one. For Thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever and ever.
Amen
“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24 (NRSV)
God bless you!
Richard
Christ Worshipper | Disciple Maker | Hope Giver
Welcome to In the Meantime. I'm glad you're here! We are living in the time between Christ's ascension into heaven and His promised return to earth. In the Meantime is a collection of stories about God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and His presence, love, mercy and grace in my life. In the Meantime, Jesus is Lord! Hallelujah!
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