Monday night I was on my way home after a very long day, not to mention a very long weekend. I had just come off of an Emmaus weekend, having served as a table leader. So, for the last three and a half days, I have been drenched in the Spirit 24/7. Nothing wrong with that, but it is exhausting - in a good way. Monday I volunteered in the phone room for the Joy FM's Sharathon. 6am - 7pm. Another day of exhaustion - CHALLENGE ALERT! STATIONS EVERYONE! Oops, I digress.
Anyways, I'm on my way home and I have to take a detour to the store to buy some necessities. Then it happened - the phone rang. I expected it to be my husband with a last minute item left off the list. Instead, it was a friend who needed help. They need to move into a new place on Saturday and she needs help cleaning it and painting. Not bad, except that she also needs help purchasing the paint. She's desperate for help as this is the step she's been working for - getting her family back on track and settled in a secure environment.
It's really not convenient and I've already got plans for the weekend - lots of plans actually. Pancake breakfast, candy making for bazaar, sign practice, funeral, church council. Then I hear that voice again ...
As that friendship blossoms, share your life stories with them. Be available to them when they need it, not necessarily when it’s convenient for you. Reach out to them, offer assistance and let them see glimpses of your living faith in action. As you grow comfortable in your Christian action, God will begin to challenge you by putting people in your path. These may be individuals who need help desperately but may be total strangers to you. Regardless of their circumstances or differences, Christ calls us to listen to those who cry out to Him. By listening to the cry of the hopeless and helpless, we determine our path of Christian action. We need to stand firm for Jesus, whether it’s the popular choice or not. Be an advocate for those who need your help and remember that where we stand determines what we see. The human reality we see determines our response.
I can see all of your faces, offering your summaries and skits. "You can't just talk the talk, you have to walk the walk" echoes in my ears. God is challenging me, causing me to stand up to my own words. As my friend Pam put it, "He couldn't have made it any plainer!" So, I have accepted the challenge placed before me and have put out the call to my brothers and sisters in Christ for help in meeting this challenge. We have sounded the alert and manned our stations. I have prayed hard for God's help and guess what - HE'S LISTENING!!
God is providing everything I am asking for and more! He's letting me know that it's safe to step out for Jesus and others. He has already prepared the way - I just need to walk it. Why do we fight it? I guess we'll never know. I do know this - “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9) May we all be courageous today and everyday.
Step out for Christ and pave the way! Lisa
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