No Hope without the mercy of a devotee

In the Damodara Pastime after Mother Yashoda binds Krishna, Krishna went outside towards the twin trees of Yamala-arjuna who were Nalakuvera and Manigriva in their previous lifetime. Because of an offense they were cursed to become trees by Narada Muni and that they would be delievered by the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

SB 10.10.24: The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Krishna, to fulfill the truthfulness of the words of the greatest devotee, Narada, slowly went to that spot where the twin arjuna trees were standing.
SB 10.10.25: "Although these two young men are the sons of the very rich Kuvera and I have nothing to do with them, Devarshi Narada is My very dear and affectionate devotee, and therefore because he wanted Me to come face to face with them, I must do so for their deliverance."

SB 10.10.26: Having thus spoken, Krishna soon entered between the two arjuna trees, and thus the big mortar to which He was bound turned crosswise and stuck between them.

Because Narada Muni desired that Nalakuvera and Manigriva see the Supreme Personality of Godhead face to face, the Lord fulfilled the words of His very dear Devotee Narada Muni.

Without the favor of a devotee one cannot approach the Supreme Personality of Godhead, what to speak of engaging in His service.

Narada Muni's curse was a benediction for Nalakuvera and Manigriva for it not only help them get purified of their propensities but by the curse

1. they became trees in the courtyard of Nanda Maharaj's home and were able to witness the Lord
2. see His beautiful pastimes with Mother Yashoda and the vrajavasis
3. come face to face with the Supreme Personality of Godhead and be delivered by Him.

They recd all this great fortune only by the mercy of Narada Muni a very devotee of the Lord.

Thus we must first take shelter of a Spiritual Master and the devotees - only then there is hope of any progress in spiritual life.When the spiritual master prays for us and gives us His mercy Lord looks upon us.