What Can I Do to Help You?

   There was once a woman with two young sons. Her husband had died and she wasn’t able to pay her bills. Her creditors threatened that they would take her sons and make them work as slaves until the debts were paid. Out of fear and desperation, she finally sought help from Elisha, a prophet for whom her deceased husband has previously served. Before taking action, Elisha asked, “What can I do to help you?” (See 2 Kings 4:1-2.) 
   What can I do to help you? -- It can be a life-saving or life-changing question. Help is frequently needed on many different levels. A little help can make a huge difference. 
   Some people need help just for a day. When a storm takes down a massive tree in one’s yard, a neighbor with a chainsaw will look will like an angel. When one’s beloved dog has run off, a friend with a car extending the perimeter of the search brings relief and amazing joy once the dog is found. As a child lies in bed with the flu, a temporary babysitter might also be a job-saver, enabling the parents to go to work and avoid a reprimand for missing work. 
   What can I do to help you? 
   Some people need help for a short season. Maybe one’s spouse is injured and needs emergency surgery followed by an extended recovery period. Such a sudden change in one’s family can significantly increase the amount of work to be managed by the healthy ...