“Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, “How can I help?”
That’s exactly what Jesus did. He didn’t make it easy for himself by avoiding people’s troubles, but waded right in and helped out. “I took on the troubles of the troubled,” is the way Scripture puts it. Even if it was written in Scripture long ago, you can be sure it’s written for us. God wants the combination of his steady, constant calling and warm, personal counsel in Scripture to come to characterize us, keeping us alert for whatever he will do next. May our dependably steady and warmly personal God develop maturity in you so that you get along with each other as well as Jesus gets along with us all. Then we’ll be a choir—not our voices only, but our very lives singing in harmony in a stunning anthem to the God and Father of our Master Jesus!” (Romans 15:1-6 MSG)
REFLECTION
I’ve found that the struggles and suffering that God permits can be converted to spiritual strength, as we turn to our loving Lord and process our pain with Him. And as we stay close to Him in the unfolding process, He guides us as to whom to align with and whom to serve, all of which fortifies our faith and enables us to know and love our marvellous and merciful Maker, and those He made, more deeply. And in this deep connection, harmony and peace abounds, even during difficult days and stormy seasons.
PRAYER POEM
Loving Lord Jesus, You are the only One who truly knows the depths of each story, and You alone can empower us to live lives of love for Your glory. Only You can infuse us with inner strength and confident peace, this I know, so keep me close to You and help me help others wherever I go.
