Dealing with real life, real people, real issues…can be messy. I see many people who distance themselves from anyone who exhibits problems, or honesty about weaknesses. On the other hand, I see lots of people who just congregate with all the problem people so they can live in a constant state of sharing and oversharing the same problems over and over again, with no desire or attempt at healing and freedom.
Life’s messy folks, grab a broom.
I implore you to not be a part of either of the groups I described above. What if, instead, we created groups of people who are not afraid of other’s messiness, but are also willing and able to take their hand to walk into freedom?
That’s what I desire to do and be. One who leads others out of pain and into healing.
When we are walking as disciples of Christ, we can be assured that we will have many, many opportunities to help others come out of their mess and into Peace. The Peace that surpasses all understanding.
Without oxen a stable stays clean, but you need a strong ox for a large harvest. Proverbs 14:4
We need people in the kingdom of God. People of all kinds. With all sorts of troubles. But with a clear plan to walk into healing. Being made whole. We can’t force them to do so, but we can make it available. That’s the full gospel.
I can remember so many times when I was in a lot of pain and needed a little hand, but none of the believers around me could be bothered. That’s missing the gospel, for sure. I know there have been instances when I should’ve reached out to someone in trouble, but I held back. For that I am truly repentant. The thing that has changed for me is that now I ask God. I ask Him if He has brought this person into my life or if I need to let them move on. That’s a great way to move forward in His Spirit.
Those who have changed my life are the ones who were willing to get in the mud with me, help me out of it and release me to grow and be changed. It’s my greatest joy to help pull others out of the mud, as well. We should always be willing to give, as it has been given to us.
Have you had those types of people in your life? I sure do hope so.
I encourage you to look around today. Ask God to help you notice anyone He desires you to lend a hand toward. And then, simply make a small move. Start with one gesture, then let God lead the rest. If you’re the one in need, I pray God will bring a helper. Someone to assist you in your time of need, and that you will have the humility to receive it.
Instead of their shame my people will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace they will rejoice in their inheritance; and so, they will inherit a double portion in their land, and everlasting joy will be theirs. “For I, the Lord, love justice; I hate robbery and iniquity. In My faithfulness I will reward them and make an everlasting covenant with them. Their descendants will be known among the nations and their offspring among the peoples. All who see them will acknowledge that they are a people the Lord has blessed.” I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For He has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations. Isaiah 61:7-11
365 Days in the Presence 