We do not have to look very far to find someone that is struggling. Many are suffering from a crisis of health problems, their children, grieving over a loss, financial worries, marriage issues, and the list goes on. When difficult situations are presented, we become sympathetic, but how often do we consider that God may have brought these individuals to our attention so that we can not only pray but actually intervene in some tangible way? Instead of just discussing the suffering and having pity, with God’s power we can help with what they are praying for. James chapter two talks about the difference between having faith without becoming involved and literally demonstrating our faith by our willingness to reach out and be a friend in need.
Have you ever been discouraged or in trouble and you cried out for God to please send help? If someone responded, you knew they were a Godsend, right? But if no one came, we assumed the Lord convicted someone to intervene, but they were probably busy and distracted or maybe they simply did not want to get involved. I believe this reveals more about what life is really about than we care to consider. Many are convinced they are free to live however they want and I can understand this point of view for a non-Christian. However, for those who are followers of God, the Bible clearly explains we are to take the responsibility to develop a new way of thinking. A renewed mind will rearrange our priorities from having a selfish attitude to being selfless.
This transformation produces what we call spiritual discernment where the individual becomes more sensitive to God’s presence. God is always speaking, but the question is are we close enough to Him to hear His voice? I thought we were to be developing the attributes and character of Jesus. I Corinthians 6:19-20 says, “What? Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which you have of God, and you are not your own? For you are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which is God’s.” Accepting the life-changing gift of salvation includes the vow to let go of our rebellion and become focused on the two greatest commandments which is loving God with all of our heart and loving others as ourselves.
The Bible refers to those who become God’s children as instruments and vessels of honor, which means we are called to serve. God’s plan for His children is to grow strong in spiritual awareness and be ready to respond when He calls, (which by the way there is much to do). He may be guiding and preparing us to present a Bible scripture with a friend at work or maybe write a letter to someone we are concerned about. There are so many opportunities all around us where we could bring encouragement, but will we?
I’m sure you’ve had times when you could have used someone’s kindness. To know that someone is thinking about us and cares enough to make an intentional effort to bless us gives us hope. We all want to feel loved and respected. Galatians chapter six talks about our deeds being like seeds and that we reap according to what we sow. Applying this spiritual principle to our lives allows us to see how important it is to care about others in the same way we would like someone to care about us. If you need a miracle, become someone’s miracle. If you desire to have more friends, go out of your way to be friendly. If you want to be loved, cast down fear and intimidation and show sincere love. Yes, God can arrange divine appointments but obeying is our freewill choice. Not only out of moral obligation but because we are filled with the compassion of Christ.
Jesus told a parable in Luke chapter ten about a man who was attacked by thieves and left beside the road for dead. Two different men in the community came upon the situation (one of them a minister) and both ignored him. Then a Samaritan man found him and literally saved his life. The good Samaritan became the wounded man’s miracle and presents the question from deep within our conscience; are we the type who passes by and looks the other way, or the one who stops and becomes involved?
Dr. Holland is an ordained minister, chaplain, and author. Read more about the Christian life at billyhollandministries.com
