When Jesus was looking for answers that weren’t available, He didn’t cry “Uncle.”

– He cried “Father!” “Jesus prayed this prayer: “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike.”  Matthew 11:25 New Living Translation

When the cross loomed before him and he faced an obstacle requiring faith and commitment not normal in the circumstances, He didn’t cry “Uncle.”

– He cried “Father!”  “After saying all these things, Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son so he can give glory back to you.” John 17:1 New Living Translation

His friend Lazarus had been dead for three days and He faced a situation that everyone around him said was an impossibility, He didn’t cry “Uncle.”

– He cried “Father!”  “So they rolled the stone aside. Then Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, thank you for hearing me.” John 11:41 New Living  Translation

How often do we holler “Uncle” when calling on “Father” would change our entire situation … restore sanity … quell out-of-control emotions … give an elusive perspective … grant peace in turmoil … heal a broken relationship.

Why is it we call for a relative who seldom comes through when we have a Father who always does?

Pride and deluded self-confidence keep some from calling for any help whatsoever. They stumble from one disaster to the next. A person wrapped up totally in themselves is generally a very small package indeed. It’s tough to go it all alone.

But others call and wait in vain for the cavalry to arrive. In their growing panic they scan the horizon for signs of help approaching and are met with disappointment.

God’s Word is quite deliberate in its instructions:  “But everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Acts 2:21 New Living Translation There it is – a simple directive of what to do when the world caves in, friends abandon, finances disappear, pressures build unmercifully, disappointment disheartens and hope dies.

This week, the operative word isn’t “Uncle” … it’s “Father!”

May there be joy for your journey!