Help People When They Need Help
I was walking through midtown on my way to a meeting when I noticed a homeless lady struggling with her bike across the street. The front wheel looked crooked, and I could see she was frustrated. But I was going to be late! I kept walking, until I remembered a quote from author James Clear. “You don’t help people when it’s convenient for you- you help people when they need help”. I turned around and crossed the street- greeting the woman with the bike. I asked if I could help and together, we got the axle back in the right spot and she was good to go. She was so excited that I stopped to help. With all that she had going on- in that moment I was able to remind her we’re all in this together. Sometimes that’s all people need. The omnipresence of our heavenly Father is lived out through us. So, whether it’s convenient or not, go and be His hands and feet.
He did it first
When children begin taking swimming lessons, they’re often asked to jump into the water from the pool's edge. But this can be an incredibly scary experience for many kids. It's not unusual to see a small child frozen at the edge of the pool while everyone else encourages them to jump. To ease this fear, swimming instructors often demonstrate the jump themselves, allowing the child to witness someone they know and trust successfully entering the water and resurfacing safely. Similarly, Jesus did the same for us. He faced and endured all the challenges and hardships that we encounter in life. Through His example, He demonstrated that it is possible to overcome obstacles and emerge victorious. He’s given us the gift of the Holy Spirit to guide us through the trials we face. So, follow your Savior and jump in!
More than a Spectator
Baseball legend Yogi Berra was once struggling in a tied game, bottom of the ninth, two outs. The opposing batter stepped into the box and used his bat to draw a cross in the dirt. Berra quickly wiped the religious symbol off the plate. A Catholic as well, he said to the batter, “Why don’t we let God just watch this game?” Can you resonate with Berra? It’s so common to see people trivialize religion by petitioning God selectively and selfishly. However, we can also take comfort today in the fact that God’s involvement in our lives is not simply that of a spectator.
The Unexpected
The Canadian based, multimillion-dollar, Cirque du Soleil is known for its innovation, strategic risk-taking, and pushing the envelope. When looking for new talent, Cirque du Soleil scouts often ask candidates to do something totally unexpected at an audition, such as climb a rope and sing a song at the top. If the candidate shows any hesitation, they’re generally out the door. In the Bible, we see Jesus doing a similar thing. He says, “Drop what you’re doing and follow me.” “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Jesus asks of us - the totally unexpected. So, don’t hesitate!
Inheritance
Have you ever dreamt of receiving an unexpected large inheritance? Maybe some distant uncle you’ve never met somehow leaves you a huge sum of money and a mansion? You’re suddenly wealthy by no effort of your own! As believers in Christ, we’ve received an inheritance. An undeserved, un-worked for inheritance that doesn’t come with unpaid property taxes. The Apostle Paul says in Ephesians chapter 1 that “In Christ we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will” This inheritance is everlasting life. It’s the gift of his Holy Spirit in you, and a peace above all understanding. You may not have a distant, diseased, wealthy uncle- but in Christ, spiritually, you are rich beyond measure!
From Failure to Success
I hate making mistakes. Yet, did you know so many inventions we use today were created by accident? Stirring a pot of chemicals in 1826, John Walker pulled his wooden stir stick out of the pot and tried to wipe the glob of chemicals stuck on the table. Instead of wiping off, the chemicals ignited. As a result, matches were born! And simply by using the wrong resistor in a device led medical researcher Wilson Greatbatch to develop the pacemaker. We often make mistakes in life. We’re not perfect. But the good news is that God is in the restoration business. So, if you’ve made a mistake, take your concerns to God and allow Him to turn your failures into a success.
Who You Really Are
Middle school is an incredibly difficult time in life. As a teenager, you’re trying to figure out who you are and where you belong. We may even try on different personalities to see what sticks. Someone who loves to read and play music may begin acting like jock to fit in with the basketball team. Or a kind-spirited girl may start acting mean to fit in with the popular girls. But, to everyone around them, the contrast between who they are and who they’re pretending to be is quite apparent. The Apostle Paul reminds us believers that we no longer live according to the flesh but by the spirit. So, be the uniquely created work of art God has created you to be.
Trees
We often take trees for granted. Maybe we don’t think twice when we see half a forest removed to make way for more homes. But trees serve an important role in the function of our world. As they take in the carbon dioxide that we humans exhale, trees in turn produce oxygen for us to breathe. It’s the perfect symbiotic relationship. Sometimes we’re tempted to think that we can function apart from God. Nothing could be further from the truth! He involves Himself in our lives even when we don’t notice, nurturing and protecting when we’re unable to do so ourselves. This too is a perfect relationship. If you don’t know Him, ask God to make Himself known to you today.
Is there a God?
Many Christians, when speaking to unbelievers, may get a little off track as they share specific theologies, doctrines, denominational differences. But the simplest place to start is this- Do you believe in God? Even as believers, most of us have had periods in life where we question. Whether it’s in the wake of a tragedy or doubts in certain interpretations of scripture. If this is you or you want to know how to speak to unbelievers, I want to introduce you to a really cool website. Everystudent.com is a site where you can find answers to all kinds of questions about God and faith. Here you can ask questions of your own or sign up to receive study packets that present the gospel and lay out a beautiful case for the existence of God. So, check it out- https://www.everystudent.com/
Rain
I think most of us would think of rain as a negative thing. Maybe you planned a camping trip- and as soon as you begin to setup camp it starts pouring. Rain was the last thing you wanted on this trip. But if you’re a farmer and your crops are failing- rain could be the difference between a successful year and financial failure. The Bible says that God pours out His blessings like a gentle rain. What a fitting description of the God of the universe! It gives us a clear picture of the Creator caring for us even in the middle of difficult times. Maybe rain isn’t so bad after all. The next time you’re caught in a storm think of God- constantly pouring out His blessings in your life.