I Don’t Have a Gopher

Lately I’ve been learning a lot of new DIY homeowner skills on YouTube. My current challenge is laying out a tile backsplash in the kitchen, which has stirred up some old memories. As a young teenager, I spent many days helping my dad with tile jobs—countertops, tub surrounds, coffee tables, entryways…but never a backsplash.

He was the tile setter. That role belonged to his perfectionist nature. Every step was planned. Every grout line was straight and uniform. Every tile was laid flat, with no high or low tiles causing steps.

My job was simpler. I was the “gopher”. “Go for this.” “Go for that.” I hauled supplies, mixed mortar and grout, fetched tools, and stayed close in case he needed an extra set of hands. I was the hardest working rodent on two legs you ever did see.

Now that I have my own home, I realize how valuable a “gopher” really is. Having someone hold the end of a tape measure really helps. Carrying supplies is a back-saver as well as a timesaver. But I don’t have a constant helper. My dear wife is the prettiest “gopher” on two legs, but is usually only available short-term. So I’ve become a careful planner, forcing myself to think through every step of a project. If I forget something, there’s no one else to send. If I start, I’d better be prepared to finish…and finish alone.

That diligence translates directly to the Christian walk. Jesus said a wise man counts the cost before starting a building project…which means we must carefully consider what following Him will entail. Our faith isn’t a group project where someone else carries the weight when it gets hard. At some point, every believer must be prepared to walk alone—to keep going when help is scarce, strength is fading, and encouragement is quiet.

Our bodies will weaken. Trials will come. Tools we relied on may no longer be within reach. The question is this: are we committed to following Christ, even alone? Are we prepared to walk all the way to the end for Him, even without a gopher?

Our personal faith is often refreshed and helped by fellow believers. Thank God for the “gophers” and friends in our lives. They are treasures and blessings. But eventually our walk may require solitary work. Personal diligence and careful planning is at the heart of our faith. Your diligent personal faith and obedience will lead to a finished work which God calls “well done.”

Let’s finish strong!