This is a reposted blog written by Cru staff, Gina Butz. I made a few revisions. My added comments are italicized.

There are people in the world who like to be the rescuers of others (many parents of addicts and those who struggle with mental health challenges do this really well). There are others who look for someone to rescue them. (Many times I want that!) And there are people like me, who think, “I don’t need rescuing, thank you very much.” (Are you in denial?)

Except I do. I very much do.

I try, though. Oh, how I try.

I try to hold it together. I try to keep up the appearance of competence (even more so if you are in full time ministry). I have mastered self-sufficiency and ignoring my needs and emotions for the sake of keeping it going. (That’s hits close to home, right?) I can deceive myself into thinking that rescuing is for someone else, the ones who can’t quite manage it on their own, who don’t have their stuff together. I’m like a soldier on the battlefield who tries valiantly to press on despite repeated arrows, “Tis but a flesh wound,” and won’t ask for help. (Have you admitted your need to anyone else?)

It’s a fear that if I call for help, no one’s coming. It’s a fear grounded in those lies of too much and not enough. It’s a fear that there is no one who cares enough to offer their strength, no one stronger willing to step in. I fight for myself because I fear no one will fight for me. (or my child)

I’m partway through a much-needed sabbatical, and in the first few days, as my soul slowed down, this is the fear that rose to the surface. It is the source of much of my anxiety and restlessness, my need to control my world. (How we want to control our children!) As I have turned it over and over, examining its root, I am seeing it for the lie that it is.

Because there is Someone coming for me. There is One whose strength is always greater, who longs to rescue, who calls me to be the child I am and rest in Him. I am being reminded that when I feel weak, helpless, and incompetent, I can step off the battlefield and just receive; no need to press on because He can take care of it, can take care of me.

He is calling me to deeper, dependent prayer. . . He is calling me to the images in scripture of our God who is our strong tower, our rock of refuge, our Savior, letting them speak grace into my tired places. I am so grateful for this fear to come to light, so that God can speak His words of life and truth to replace it.

(I love this Bible verse!) “Because she loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue her; I will protect her, for she acknowledges my name. She will call upon me, and I will answer her. I will be with her in trouble. I will deliver her and honor her. With long life will I satisfy her and show her my salvation.”  – Psalm 91:14-16

Gina Butz and her husband, Erik, have served with Cru for over 20 years, 13 of them in Asia. They are currently raising their two third culture kids and an imported dog in Orlando, Florida, where Gina serves in global leadership development at Cru headquarters.

Her first book, Making Peace with Change: Navigating Life’s Messy Transitions with Honesty and Grace, is available for pre-order. She blogs about being wholehearted at Awakened and loves to connect on Twitter and Facebook.