I recently was compelled while praying in church to pray for people who are right now faced with major challenges in life. So I prayed without any specific person or issue in mind.
A few hours later I received a text message from someone I know asking for help in a way that I wasn't well prepared to help with. I started to contemplate how would I, should I, or could I even help them. At first I considered the inconvenience and any reason why I couldn't. Then my heart changed. I was immediately taken with the idea that I must help that person. So I did. This story isn't about me being a goodie two-shoes.
Let me tell you the rest of the story. Sometime later I was thinking about the whole experience. You will see I come from a slow group. I put 2 and 2 together realizing I had asked God to help people in need thinking He could reach out and touch someone and all would be good. Well, He did reach out. He touched someone who needed help and I believe gave them the courage to make a call and ask for help. Funny how it ricocheted back to me. I think God was saying if you really want help for people then here is someone who needs help. Help them.
I am reminded about another story I heard where a person was praying, more likely complaining to God about the problems in the world. He said to God, “why don't you do something about it?” God replied, “I did. I created you.”
I realize that if I, if we, do even the smallest things in the world to help our neighbor, the little challenges in the world might not grow to such seemingly insurmountable problems. I believe God calls us to be alert. I believe He calls us to be aware of others around us and be conscious, even compassionate enough to be quick to recognize the need and reach out and offer help. The need may be small. The need may be great. The cost to us may be nothing more than a little time or it could even require us to help out financially. It may simply be offering a listening ear or sharing an experience on how we solved a similar issue. We need to think more like problem solvers rather than commiserators. When we do this and take action for the aid of others the unexpected happens.
The incredible feeling associated with knowing that we made a positive difference in someone else’s life especially when they are troubled can be stimulating. But it is not the stimulus that we take action for but for the good of our neighbor. Making it a habit to be alert and conscious of the needs of others and being proactive in making a difference for them can become a lifestyle you do not want to give up. I believe it to be a grace from God for sharing His love with others.
Jesus is the ultimate giver as He sacrificed Himself for us and was victorious in overcoming death so we can share a new life with Him. He definitely paid it forward. Thank you Jesus!
God give us the will to openly receive your love and then generously give it away so we may all Shine like Your Son and humbly receive the unexpected.
God bless you.
