June 9, 2010
 
DEVOTION: Can you Really Help?
 
By Beth Bondurant
 
Watching someone struggle ... for whatever reason... stirs us instinctively to help. Yet knowing the best way to respond to need isn't so quickly ascertained.
 
What should we do?
 
Is there a better way to aid persons in time of crisis. How do we learn to assist in positive usefulness.
 
We have already confirmed our belief in God's constant presence that guides and directs our thoughts and intentions... our desires and instincts... our planning and implementation of what God would have us to do.
 
"God's wisdom from above is first of all, pure; it is also peaceful, gentle and friendly; it is full of compassion and produces a harvest of good deeds; it is free from prejudice and hypocrisy. Goodness is the harvest that is produced from the seeds the peacemakers plant in peace."
 
We have the words...the gifts... the tools... yet the instructions aren't clear. Step by step isn't always evident when it comes to "this difficult business of helping".
 
Can you really help?
 
Absolutely... though the details may not be obvious. We are "one" in God's Spirit... so when we touch the life of another... God is with us. In sickness and in health... for rich or for poor... in the up or down of today, we are chosen and commit to become the heart and hands of the Master Creator. We are able to heal ... to support... to guide... to even carry the burdens of family and friends.. strangers and coworkers... neighbors and those whom we come in contact with at anytime via modern technology or everyday impact.
 
You are an amazing bundle of possibility being God's friend ... who befriends others.
 
Consider how many times you are called on for help today... and rejoice in this calling.
 
O God... help me to befriend those around me. Empower my heart, hands, mind and spirit to be a willing supporter. When I don't know what to do... give me grace to accept this predicament and faithfulness to trust in your release of goodness and mercy in all situations. Keep blessing us with patience and kindness no matter how difficult the task. Encourage me to believe... I can really help.