Ginny Priz
Serenity Journey
Asking for God’s Help vs. Accepting God’s Help
There was a young bride who sat in her room day after day trying to make her wedding dress. She designed it herself, but no matter how many times she tried, she could not make it perfect. In fact, she was not coming close to what she wanted.
Eventually, she called the dressmaker and asked him to come and do what he could to help. She was embarrassed to call him because he was also her future father-in-law. But her wedding day was drawing closer and she wanted to be perfect for her groom.
The dressmaker arrived and knocked on her door. At first, she ignored him. She thought it was a mistake to ask for help because she was so ashamed of the poor work she had done already. The dressmaker knocked again. And still, she was too scared to open the door.
She thought he would surely be ashamed of her when he saw the mess she had made of the beautiful fabric. Fabric that had once held so much potential until she’s gotten her hands on it. She was so disappointed in herself she decided she would not accept his help. She would just have to elope.
She expected the dressmaker to give up and leave. But the dressmaker did not grow impatient. He stood at her door and knocked.
Eventually, she became angry at his persistence and raised her voice telling him to go away. But he continued to stand at the door and knock. Finally, she grabbed the door handle, turned it slowly, and opened the door – just a crack.
The dressmaker smiled and greeted her warmly. He was happy to see her and expressed his love for her. She opened the door a little more and saw he held in his hand a beautiful wedding dress.
“I made this for you,” he said. “Please, will you try it on?”
The young bride, without opening the door any wider reached out and pulled the dress into her room. She closed the door and quickly changed into the dress. When she saw what the dressmaker had made, she was amazed. The fabric was exquisite. The cut was perfectly flattering in every way. It showed off her natural beauty and far exceeded her expectations.
Her anger melted away. She was overwhelmed. It was clear the dressmaker had spent many hours, maybe years, preparing this dress. She ran back to the door to thank the dressmaker and tell him she could not possibly accept such a wonderful gift, because she could not repay him.
The dressmaker smiled his warm smile and asked her to open he door a bit more. She did, and behind him she saw her groom, all of their guests and a wedding planned to her every wish and beyond what she ever dared asked for. Please come with me and let’s celebrate, said the dressmaker father. “I have taken care of every detail, all that is required of you is to join your groom and guests in celebrating.”
I have been this woman, over and over again. Not making a dress, but diligently working to create the best life I can on my own power – and always falling short. All the while, the Lord keeps knocking politely, more than willing to help.
When I finally put down my own striving and let him into my life to help, I find He has prepared a path for me that is more beautiful and satisfying than I could ever have expected.
Even after I’ve prayed and asked for God’s help, I still have to open my heart and accept the help He offers.
What are you striving to create all on your own? Will you put down your struggles and accept the Lord’s help today as you move forward?
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Ginny Priz is a Christian coach, writer and speaker. Ginny has overcome her own drama with a prosthetic arm, alcohol, panic disorder, and codependency. She has a passion for guiding others toward the same peace and freedom she has come to experience. Ditching drama is possible for anyone “armed” with God and the Serenity Prayer! It’s never too late to start your own Serenity Journey.
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Ginny Priz 