What started out as a scary night ended up being pretty fun. A strong storm was moving through the area. The lightning and thunder woke both Chloe and Cole. They asked if they could sleep in the same bed, so we let Chloe move into Cole’s room. But a few minutes later, the storm knocked out the power.

No lights. Worse than that, no night lights.

The kids went crazy.

Amy and I both went into Cole’s room to calm their screaming and crying. When we got them settled down a little bit, I told them, “This is how the settlers used to live. They didn’t have lights, either. In fact, that reminds me of a story.” I wove an impromptu tale of cowboys and rustlers, keeping both Chloe and Cole’s minds off the storm raging outside their window.

After I finished my story, Amy told one. Their attention sufficiently diverted, Chloe wanted to sing a song. She started out strong, but soon got to a part of the song she didn’t know as well. She forgot the words. Amy started singing, giving Chloe a little help.

This did not please Cole, who has recently contracted a nasty little case of “I-do-it-myself-itis.” He said to Amy, “Don’t help her!” Chloe turned to her brother, put a hand on his shoulder and said, “It’s OK, I need help.”

What a profound statement. What a profound moment. Chloe realized she needed help and was willing to receive it when it was offered. She showed an insight that unfortunately, many adults do not even possess.

We need help. We are in need of salvation, but cannot provide for that salvation on our own. Because of this, God sent his son Jesus to die for our sins. Now all we must do is accept the forgiveness he offers.

But many people won’t admit they need help. They stubbornly refuse to acknowledge they have a sin problem, or they stubbornly try to work things out on their own. What they need to do instead is admit that they need help, and accept the help that is offered them.

Apparently, even a 5-year-old knows that.

Chloe and Cole needed help with their fear of the storm. Chloe needed help with her song. We all need help for salvation, as well as help for daily living. Thankfully, God has graciously provided that help (2 Peter 1:3).

All we have to do is accept it

Parrish Myers is pastor of Pine Crest Baptist Church in Gainesville. His column runs every other week in Sunday Life.