Lone Ranger Syndrome
September 2
Do not forsake your friend…and do not go to your brother’s house when disaster strikes you—better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.
Proverbs 27:10
Blair rarely asked for help with anything. And this morning his do-it-yourself ideology almost cost him his life…
Blair had decided it was time to start cutting firewood for the coming winter. So, loading his chainsaw and other woodcutting tools into his pickup, he headed up on the hill to cut two dead trees he’d spotted during a recent hike.
He notched the first tree in the direction he wanted it to fall and began cutting on the opposite side, just above the notch. Unexpectedly, the tree ‘POPPED!’ and twisted off the stump prematurely, catching him off guard. As he turned to run the tree fell, catching his left leg, pinning him to the ground. Feeling around, he determined nothing was broken or bleeding. But no matter how hard he tried, he was unable to free himself. With the realization that his cell phone was out of reach in his jacket pocket, Blair prayed, “God, I need help. I know I shouldn’t have come up here alone, but please send someone to find me.”
Minutes later he heard the low, droning sound of a four wheeler. Up the well road came his neighbor, Fred, who would later tell him that he’d heard the chainsaw, and had come to offer a helping hand.
†
In the long-running 1950s TV western, ‘The Lone Ranger’, the title’s hero fought bad guys and brought them to justice. Sadly, many of us take on the persona of a Lone Ranger, fighting our battles alone, exposing ourselves to pitfalls, dangers, and setbacks that could be avoided if we would only part with our pride.
As today’s text points out, Lone Ranger Syndrome is not part of God’s plan for our lives. In truth, the Lone Ranger wasn’t a loner. His trusted companion, Tonto, was always by his side, ready to help his friend.
God has positioned our ‘Tontos’ within the sound of our voice. But it’s up to us to ask them for help.
Prayer
“Help me to be humble and wise, Lord. Help me put to death this Lone Ranger mentality. And teach me how to ask for help. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”
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