The Gift of Being Carried: Kevan Chandler on Need and Community

“In inviting people into your need, God’s going to do something regardless. By being intentional, we get to participate in the work He’s doing through our weaknesses.” -Kevan Chandler

I don’t like asking for help, even when I really need it. I was raised to be self-sufficient, to take care of things myself. As a kid I remember saying, “I can do it myself.” Once I figured something out, I didn’t want any help—I had it covered. That attitude has served me well; I get a lot done. But often, I’m doing it all on my own. And it makes me wonder: who should I have invited on this journey with me?

One person I did invite was an equally self-sufficient spouse. It’s kind of funny—neither of us likes to ask for help. My wife will be walking around with half a leg, insisting she doesn’t need anything—she can handle it. But here’s the irony: while we resist asking for help, we love giving it. We don’t want to be a bother, but when someone else needs something, we’re quick to step in. And it’s never a bother. We actually enjoy it.

What I’ve learned is that I need help (lots of help). When I invite someone into my situation and ask for help, it creates a bond that lets God work. Jesus needed help. God asks us to help build His Kingdom. If God Himself asks for our help, then I can certainly get over my prideful self-sufficiency and let Him create amazing community in the midst of need.

Elliot W. Sands is the Executive Director of Faith First and host of the Live Faith First podcast. He spent 17 years as a pastor, including five years as a school principal, and even co-founded a health-tech start-up.  He and Penny have three children and three grandkids, whom they love to help.