Thursday 10 January 2008

Friends in Trouble

Most of us know friends in trouble. Some of these situations are heart breaking because our friends are relatively helpless in their plight. It's hard to imagine how they survive their circumstances and painful to put oneself in their place.

What can you do? Empathy is generally preferred over sympathy, but being people of the miracle, we have a higher expectation in these dramas where not helping is unthinkable. We start with prayer and then we get downright practical. We do things constructive. No matter how minor or insignificant, we attempt to give relief and we should. We become the hands, the feet, the concern of God. I'm going to do it. You?

3 John 1:6 (MSG)
6 They've made a full report back to the church here, a message about your love. It's good work you're doing, helping these travelers on their way, hospitality worthy of God himself!

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hebrews 3:13 (NASB95)
"But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin."

Are we not charged watching out for each other, in whatever way that is needed? You have put the challenge out there for us to remember, "we become the hands, the feet, the concern of God!"

Give thanks to Him for His encouragement each day and sending the right person at the right time!

Anonymous said...

Commissioner Jim,

Yours blog was the first reading of my day (I was in a hurry this morning and missed my devotional time).

I recall the time when you were a friend to me and my former spouse. Despite the fact that you were, then the Secretary for Personnel and then Chief, I felt your hand of friendship during that most difficult time. And for that I say THANK YOU!

ALB

Cadet Stobes!! said...

We are the hands of Christ, He uses us each day!

A beautiful reminder that God uses us in partnership with Him to heal the broken heart, set the captives free and bring the Good News!

Thank you Comm. for trusting in God and stepping into His will for you life. We are all reaping the blessings of God's faithfulness, and your faithfulness to God.

Hallelujah!

Miss you guys, give Mom Knaggs a big hug for me!! xoxox

jsi said...

The hands and feet and concern of God - it is the definition of the great commandment. When we love God, He compels us to love others.
One of the most important things we can do for someone is to pay attention and listen. The practical needs and solutions always come to the surface when we allow the time to listen.
This is a deep post today. Embrace and enjoy your day.

Anonymous said...

You have given to us today a timely reminder of the importance of being in touch with God and seeking His guidance in all things. People's problems are not always big in the eyes of others but in their eyes they cannot see a way out. I agree that empathy is the important ingredient that is so often missing in our efforts to help those in need and yet it is vital. I was reminded of this just prior to Christmas when a dear little old lady who comes into the place where I am employed came in with a little parcel all neatly wrapped in Chritmas paper and came up to the reception desk where I was sitting and handed me the parcel with the simple words "some sweets for a very sweet lady". I was deeply touched by her gesture for I had simply been a listening ear at a time of trauma a couple of months previously. Wherever we are we are His representatives - may we (may I) be worthy of such a responsibility. May God continue to bless you.

Anonymous said...

You have again reminded me of the wonderful way in which God watches over us with love by sending people who love and care for us....if he lives in us....we can then share that love with others....friends are so important, I don't know how I would have managed times in my life if it wasn't for my friends...sometimes its just a word other times an action or a good strong coffee :}....however we do it.....may we always remember our friends in the good and bad times....I hope you are enjoying this time back home with family and friends
Robyn

Anonymous said...

Within the crucible of suffering we can be carriers of hope. thanks Jim.