Are You Patiently or Impatiently Waiting on God?

“Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!” (Psalm 27:14 NKJV).

According to the website Brainboost.com, the average person will spend 10 years standing in line over their lifetime. I wonder how much time will be added on if they factored in waiting on the phone, waiting for a movie to start, or one of my favorite past times – waiting on God.

The Bible is full of stories of those who waited on God to move. Joseph waited over 13 years before his prophetic promise was fulfilled. Moses waited 40 years before he had his divine encounter with the flaming voice of God. David waited in a cave as an exile until he eventually became King. Jesus waited 30 years before He was commissioned for public ministry. Jesus made Mary and Martha wait for four days on His return to heal Lazarus.

Waiting can seem like such a waste of time. I now try to take advantage of time waiting to spend on time reading. Ironically, I like to read books on waiting and patience as I am waiting, not so patiently, for the doctor, dentist, etc.

Waiting can be good if the time is used wisely. Parents use the months of pregnancy to prepare for the new baby. As Christians, we can embrace waiting with the knowledge that God is preparing us for glory. The Hebrew word for “wait” is literally “to entwine” — like strands of a rope twisted into one. If God acted immediately every time we cried to Him, we would be in control and not Him. I am glad that God is God and I am not.

Having to wait causes us to either grow anxious or learn to trust Him, to trust His timing. Waiting on God is not easy. Often it seems that He isn’t answering our prayers or doesn’t understand the urgency of our situation. Often God uses times of waiting to refresh, renew, and teach us. Make good use of your waiting times by discovering through prayer, Scripture, and talking with your pastor what God may be trying to teach you.

I love the peace that comes from Isaiah 40:30-31.“Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” This is a promise from God of the blessing that comes from waiting – renewed strength. My strength is limited, but “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).

Prayer: Dear God: As we wait on your Hand to move, please continue to draw us closer to you. Help us to seek first your righteousness and always embrace your love, peace, and joy. Amen.

Meet the Author

Todd Shupe is a Men’s Ministry Specialist through the General Commission of United Methodist Men and is in training to be a Certified Lay Minister through the Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church. He currently serves as the President of the Baton Rouge District of United Methodist Men and is a Board Member for Gulf South Men and serves on the Action Team for The Kingdom Group. He is a volunteer for the Walk to Emmaus, Grace Camp, and Iron Sharpens Iron. Todd resides in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

We welcome your comments below.

Thank you for visiting. We trust that you have enjoyed reading our articles.

Liked this post?

I Can’t Get No Satisfaction

“He has set the right time for everything. He has given us a desire to know the future, but never gives us the satisfaction of fully understanding what He does” (Ecclesiastes 3:11 NIV).

“(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” was a song by the English rock band The Rolling Stones, released in 1965. The lyrics refer to secular frustration and commercialism, not Christianity. However, there is a message in the song that has been true since the book of Ecclesiastes was written by King Solomon around 935 BC. In many instances, we cannot get satisfaction, at least not on earth. We may pray for understanding, but I think God is waiting for us to surrender and trust. Proverbs 9:10 teaches, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

From the time we are children, we constantly ask questions that range from mundane to existential. Are we there yet? What’s for dinner? Why is the sky blue? Why did my friend die at

such a young age? Why does evil exist?

Ecclesiastes 3:11 teaches us, “He has set the right time for everything. He has given us a desire to know the future, but never gives us the satisfaction of fully understanding what He does.” This Scripture is telling us that God made us to be curious because “He has given us a desire to know the future.” As Christian we know that God is in control, but we are hesitant to walk by faith and not by sight. We tend to want to lean on our own understanding. This is particularly true for those with a predisposition toward left-brain logic.

Jesus understood our desire for understanding. He said in John 13:7, “You don’t understand now what I am doing, but someday you will.” Jesus’s speaking style did not give “satisfaction” to the crowds. In Matthew 13 Jesus had finished the Parable of the Sower and the disciples asked Him a question that any of us would have likely asked. “Why do you speak to the people in parables? (Matthew 13:10).

His answer is revealing in many ways. “He replied, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. This is why I speak to them in parables: “Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: “‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.’ But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it” (Matthew 13:11-16).

Jesus spoke in parables – earthly stories with a heavenly meaning. He did so that His disciples would comprehend His teachings and that unbelievers would be without comprehension. Those interested in understanding the truth of His message would understand while those not interested would remain without understanding. I circle back to King Solomon. He wrote in Proverbs 9:10, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” This provides me the satisfaction that I desire, and I am confident that when I meet my maker I will rest in complete peace, love and satisfaction.

Prayer: Dear God: Thank you for steadfast love which endures forever. Grant us ears to hear your Word proclaimed and the resolve to proclaim it to others. Amen.

Meet the Author

We welcome your comments below.

Thank you for visiting. We trust that you have enjoyed reading our articles.

Liked this post?

Seek Unity Not Uniformity

“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so, the body is not made up of one part but of many” (1 Corinthians 12:21-31 NIV).

All members of most sports teams wear a uniform. This designates they are a part of the same team. However, each member is not uniform in terms of their role or skill on the team. Different roles and skills are needed for any team to be successful. Similarly, we are a part of God’s team. We are according to 1 Peter 2:9, “a chosen people, a royal priesthood.” We do not wear the same outward uniform, but inwardly the Holy Spirit resides in each of us. We each were called into ministry through our baptism and profession of faith in Jesus and have been equipped and blessed with different skills and roles. You are a unique member on God’s team because nobody has your perspective, experience, and skills. Nobody else has your testimony. Your authentic spoken testimony and witness is a powerful tool for evangelism.

We can speak words of truth and love or lies and hate. Scripture teaches, “the tongue has the power of life and death” (Proverbs 18:21). Words can cause division and hurt. If a word slipped out of your mouth in anger or strife, take it back. Apologize for it and tell your friend, partner, or family member that you said the wrong thing. It should be noted that some people are toxic and prefer strife over unity.

Jesus spoke words of unity. The enemy spoke words of strife in Genesis 3 and Matthew 4. Unity is not the absence of strife but the courage to refuse it. Scripture teaches about strife. “The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so quit before the quarrel breaks out” (Proverbs 17:14).

One of the greatest causes of strife today is a lack of humility. Our ego is easily bruised when somebody uses words to attack our character or our family. We would be wise to heed the advice of James 1:19; “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” Humility helps us to be slow to anger. Micah 6:8 reads “And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God (emphasis added).”

So, what does humility look like in our daily life? The answer can be found in Philippians 2:3-4. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Nobody has modelled humility for us better than Jesus. He willingly left the paradise of heaven and came to a fallen earth to knowingly be hated, tortured, and crucified on a cross.

Pray for unity in the Body of Christ. It’s important.

Prayer: Thank you for the blessing of children. Be with us as we try to raise our children to love and honor you. Amen.

Meet the Author

We welcome your comments below.

Thank you for visiting. We trust that you have enjoyed reading our articles.

Liked this post?

Generosity is Proven to be Good for the Giver

“If anyone is poor among your fellow Israelites in any of the towns of the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward them. Rather, be openhanded and freely lend them whatever they need” (Deuteronomy 15:7-8 NIV).

If anyone is poor among your fellow Israelites in any of the towns of the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward them. Rather, be openhanded and freely lend them whatever they need” (Deuteronomy 15:7-8 NIV).

As Christians, we know that we are called upon to be generous. Generosity is not just a financial issue but also includes giving of our time, talents, and prayers. A friend once told me that anytime someone helps another person, two blessings have occurred – blessed are the giver and receiver. For years we have had anecdotal evidence regarding significant improvements to the physical and emotional well-being of those that make a concerted effort to give back to others.

A study published in The International Journal of Psychophysiology indicated that people who give social support to others had lower blood pressure than people who did not. Another study by the National Institutes of Health found that the MRI’s of people who gave to various charities showed increased activity within the “reward center” area of the brain. Stimulation of this area triggered the release of endorphins, which gave the subject a pleasant feeling, that’s known as a “helper’s high.”

Most of us want to avoid high blood pressure and experience a “helper’s high.” Some avoid helping others because they feel to do so requires an abundance of money and/or free time.

Generosity does not have to be a big event. There are many easy and budget-friendly ways to give back to your community. Below are a few ideas. I urge you to talk to your pastor and friends and see what unique opportunities exist in your community.

Pray for the poor and homeless in your community and across the world.
Deliver cookies or a meal to a local fire station.
Create care packages for the homeless. Items can include essentials such as a toothbrush and toothpaste, granola bars, and water.
Visit a nursing home and hand out cards or simple gifts like books, lotion, or mints. I know a sweet lady that has a great voice and she sings each week at a nursing home.
Donate your children’s outgrown and gently-used winter clothing to a local school or shelter.
Bring canned food, clothing, or a small monetary donation to your church or a local charity.

Giving back during the holidays is a great way to make people feel included and cared for, but generosity doesn’t need to be limited to the brief period between November through January.

Prayer: Dear God: Help us to be cheerful givers so we may sow generously and reap generously. Amen.

Meet the Author

We welcome your comments below.

Thank you for visiting. We trust that you have enjoyed reading our articles.

Liked this post?

Loneliness Can Lead to Ministry

“It is not good for the man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18 NIV).

We were all made to live in community. How can we “encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11) if we are isolated from others? Loneliness is not just a problem for older adults. Younger adults that are single parents or divorced may experience loneliness when the children move out of the house. Some have ridiculed the lonely and called them weak. This is wrong and cruel. It is wrong because most of society has confused weakness with meekness. Jesus was meek but, He was certainly not weak.

Perhaps what we know as loneliness is really a need for us to better understand God. Deuteronomy 31:6 teaches, ^“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” We are never alone because the Holy Spirit is always in us and with us.

How we handle our loneliness is important not only for our spiritual health but also for our physical health. Our actions also serve as a powerful witness to others – both Christians and non-believers. Paul modeled for us in 2 Timothy 4 how to handle loneliness. As he was alone in prison and waiting to be executed, Paul wrote to Timothy and asked him, “When you come, be sure to bring the coat I left with Carpus at Troas. Also bring my books, and especially my papers” (2 Timothy 4:13).

At first glance you make think this is trivial stuff (books, papers, and a coat). However, there are great lessons there for us all. Paul needed a coat because he wanted to take care of physical health. History teaches us that Roman prisons were damp, dark, and cold. Yes, he was lonely, but he knew it was important to take care of himself. Paul wanted his books and papers to use his time productively. The prison epistles of Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon are so named because they were written by the apostle Paul during one of his incarcerations. These books are a valuable part of the New Testament.

If you are feeling lonely, you need to become comfortable and productive. We can’t do anything if we don’t take care of our physical health. Then, we are in a position to focus our efforts outward (local missions, volunteer, small groups, etc.) which will give us a sense of community. The temptation is to do nothing, complain, or become bitter, but none of these are productive. The real truth is that you will also benefit when you give your time to serve others. The receiver of ministry is blessed, but the one providing the ministry is also blessed as well.

Speaking of Paul, he wrote the following about giving to the church in Corinth. “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). Remember giving is not just about money. It also includes giving our time to serve others. Be well, be a cheerful giver, and be blessed.

Prayer: Dear God: Thank you for the Holy Spirit that is always in us and with us. There is no where we can go in which you are not with us. Amen.

Meet the Author

We welcome your comments below.

Thank you for visiting. We trust that you have enjoyed reading our articles.

Liked this post?

Never Grow Tired of Doing Good

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9 NIV).

When I think of “doing good” I often think of John Wesley. One of John Wesley’s most famous quotes was, “Never grow tired of doing good.” I thought of Wesley and his quote as I was reading Galatians 6. This was not a catchy marketing campaign. This was part of his core beliefs which mirrors closely with Paul’s Epistle to the early church in Galatia (Galatians 6:9).

Wesley believed that upon the death of our earthly bodies we will be questioned by angels, “What did you do for others?” (Deuteronomy 15:11, Hebrews 13:16, Galatians 6:2). Did you care about the poor and rejected? (Ephesians 4:28, Leviticus 25:35, Proverbs 19:17). Wesley knew that faith without

works is dead (James 2:17). He also understood that we are saved by God’s grace and not our works (Ephesians 2:8-9). Works are a natural product of our faith and not a means to gain God’s favor.

Clearly, Wesley believed in doing good. It is believed that he traveled over 650,000 miles to preach his Holy message: “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as you can.” This belief transcends the Methodist church and is a key tenant of the Church Universal. There are so many ways to please God, but the Wesleyan theology believed that the best means to do so was to be merciful and kind and always be compassionate to those who need compassion.

Thomas Aquinas, an immensely influential Catholic priest, philosopher, and theologian, was once asked, “What actions of ours best show our love for God?” He answered, “They are the works of mercy toward our neighbor, even more than our acts of worship.” He further explained, “Hence mercy, whereby we supply other’s needs, is a sacrifice more acceptable to God than many prayers and even Sunday worship.” I think Wesley and most modern-day Christians would agree with this sentiment.

As I re-read the Synoptic Gospels with an eye on works of mercy, I am drawn to two parables and a lesson on adultery. In Luke 15, our Father shows great compassion to the Prodigal Son. This parable shows the unconditional love of our Lord. John 8 contains the story of the woman accused of adultery. Jesus offers grace and not judgment. Jesus tells us the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10 to remind us of His desire for us to show kindness to our neighbor. There are many other examples in the Bible of God showing mercy, encouraging us to visit Him in prison, and asking for us to help those in need of help.

We all need the mercy and love of God. As we move close to Him and progress in our sanctification, we begin to desire the things that He does.

Prayer: Dear God, Help us to love you with all our heart and with all our soul and with all our mind. And help us to love our neighbor as our self.

Meet the Author

We welcome your comments below.

Thank you for visiting. We trust that you have enjoyed reading our articles.

Liked this post?

A Spiritual Health Check-Up – How is Your Discipleship?

A Spiritual Health Check-Up - How is Your Discipleship?

“The things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others” (2 Timothy 2:2 NIV).

Our health is very important to us. Many of us try to watch what we eat and try to exercise. We go to the doctor each year for a flu shot and an annual check-up. There has been an increased awareness in recent years regarding the need for mental health awareness. Our mental health is related to our physical health. I wonder if we give our spiritual health the same attention as we do our physical and mental health? I see our overall health as a three-legged stool: mental, physical, and spiritual, and they are all equally important and equally dependent on each other.

For many of us, when we think of our spiritual health, we think of prayer, service, witness, tithes, worship, and Scripture. These are all good things, but hopefully, they are all equipping you as a disciple. If you claim to be a Christian and are not engaged in discipleship, your faith is lukewarm (Revelation 3:16).

A Christian is a disciple of Jesus and is committed to bringing others to Jesus. To do so, we must be in a community with others. This sense of community not only brings others to Christ but strengthens our discipleship and our spiritual health.

Paul was an author of many of the books of the New Testament. He was a mature Christian that was dedicated to raising up Christian disciples and leaders in the new Church. Timothy traveled with Paul and was mentored by him.

It is important for us all to have a “Paul” and a “Timothy” in our life. A “Paul” is typically an older mentor, has been a Christian longer than you, and helps you to grow spiritually. A “Timothy” is somebody who hasn’t been a Christian as long as you, and you are helping to disciple and encourage them. I am a “Paul” and “Timothy” for some men, and some men serve these roles for me. These roles not only help my personal discipleship but also honor God by growing His kingdom. Also, having these people in my life builds up my support team and helps my spiritual hea lth. Ecclesiastes 4:12 teaches us, “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

In 2 Timothy 2:2, Paul writes to Timothy: “The things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” We see God’s plan for discipleship in this verse. Paul wants Timothy to find somebody to mentor. If Christian leaders don’t raise up new Christian leaders, then who will? Who will help us with our spiritual health? Who will help mentor and encourage the next generation of disciples? Find a Paul and a Timothy and be a Paul and a Timothy. Be blessed as you are a blessing to others.

Prayer: Dear God: We thank you for those that have walked before us such as Paul and Timothy. Thank you for the peace that we have through the Bible. Help us dear God to both find and be a Timothy and Paul.

Meet the Author

We welcome your comments below.

Thank you for visiting. We trust that you have enjoyed reading our articles.

Liked this post?

An Attitude of Gratitude

An Attitude of Gratitude

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV).

We all know someone with a lousy attitude, maybe that person is you. If your attitude is bad, you probably lack gratitude. If we focus on our past mistakes and sins, we can’t see our present blessings. Sometimes, we are stuck in the past with a legitimate complaint – Why did I not get the promotion? Why did my house burn down? Why did my child die before me? Life is hard and sometimes unfair. Jesus spoke about the certainty of trouble in John 16:33. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Christians do not get to avoid adversity but do get the Good Shepherd to lead us through tough times.

At attitude of gratitude is essential for finding the peace of God that transcends all understanding (Philippians 4:7). I have traveled to various developing countries and one thing that always amazes me is the attitude of the poor. Some would say that they have nothing, but I would argue that although they are living in extreme, horrible poverty they have everything. They have peace in their heart and an attitude of gratitude for the presence of Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. They are living out the words of God to Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” In a recent sermon Rev. Tom Cook of Broadmoor United Methodist Church in Baton Rouge, La stated, “The greatest thing that any Christian can be thankful for is the free gift of salvation and hope in this life and the next.”

In the US we think happiness is linked to financial success. However, Jill Suttie wrote in Greater Good Magazine, “In recent studies, scientists have found that the connection between wealth and well-being is not clear-cut. While some studies seem to tie wealth to well-being, others show that, after a certain point, a higher income will not bring more happiness or life satisfaction.”

Naz Beheshti wrote in Forbes magazine that the benefits of expressing gratitude are well-documented. “A study found that making a regular and deliberate effort to record one’s blessings improves a range of outcomes related to mental health and overall well-being. Keeping a gratitude journal is an increasingly popular personal practice.” The author also further reports, “Four in five (81%) employees report they are motivated to work harder when their boss shows appreciation for their work. When gratitude becomes a regular organizational practice, employees will feel both appreciated and valued, and their productivity and engagement will increase by leaps and bounds.”

Our response to God’s grace should be thanksgiving and worship. Paul summarizes it perfectly in 1 Chronicles 16:34, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.”

Prayer: Dear God: We thank you for the many blessings that you have given us. We are especially thankful for our salvation that comes through Him. Help us to keep an attitude of gratitude. We love you. Amen.

Meet the Author

We welcome your comments below.

Thank you for visiting. We trust that you have enjoyed reading our articles.

Liked this post?

Embrace Childlike Faith and Humility, Not Immaturity

Person reading a Bible with childlike faith and humility

Embrace Childlike Faith and Humility, Not Immaturity

Be Childlike, Not Immature: Embracing Childlike Faith and Humility

“At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned and revealed them to little children” (Matthew 11:25 NIV).

One of the most cherished Scriptures in the Bible is, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14). Jesus clearly demonstrated a deep love for children. He wants us to embrace childlike faith and humility because children are naturally eager to learn. As followers of God, we must strive to know Him and seek His face through study, worship, tithing, prayer, and service.

Jesus encourages us to be willing listeners, eager learners, and open to suggestions and corrections from others. Proverbs 12:15 teaches, “The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.” A teachable spirit recognizes that no one can know everything about every subject. Life is too short to learn solely from personal experience—it’s wiser to learn from the experiences of others.

The Greatness of Childlike Faith and Humility

Jesus likens greatness to childlikeness. Anyone approaching Him must do so with absolute childlike faith and humility. Jesus lovingly referred to His disciples as “my children” (John 13:33), and the apostle John extends this affectionate address to us as well. Proverbs 15:12 states, “Conceited people do not like to be corrected; they never ask for advice from those who are wiser.” Pride makes us act like we know it all, which is not a fruit of the Spirit—it’s immature and the opposite of childlike faith and humility.

A true disciple of Jesus follows Him in complete dependency and humility, seeking to bring others—regardless of age—closer to Him. This is the essence of childlike faith and humility. Jesus’ embrace of His disciples as “my children” is a reminder of the loving relationship He desires with us.

Choosing Humility Over Pride

What is our response when someone shows us a better way or points out a mistake? Do we respond graciously, appreciating their guidance, or do we become defensive? Each of us faces a choice: to be humble and receptive to learning and correction, or to remain immature and prideful.

God loves all of His children, regardless of their maturity, but He desires us to be teachable. He wants us to continually learn about Him as He reveals Himself to us. To keep learning about God, we must maintain a childlike heart. The more we understand Him, the more we comprehend His will for our lives and the joy that awaits us when we live in the Spirit.

Prayer: Dear God: Thank you for being our Good Father. May we always approach you with the curiosity of children that seek to be clay in your hands. Amen.

Meet the Author

We welcome your comments below.

Thank you for visiting. We trust that you have enjoyed reading our articles.

Liked this post?

How Can I Help Others?

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2 NIV).

As Christians we are all called into ministry through our baptism and profession of faith in Jesus Christ. Our greatest ministry for all Christians is to make disciples of Jesus Christ. When we show love to our neighbor, we are showing them Christ. It is important that we pause to discern how can we best help others. Below are a few ideas on helping, counseling, or ministering (any word will suffice I think) when a person is in need. Of course, if the need is physical, then they need physical assistance. For example, a person that is hungry needs food, not a 10-point plan on how to turn your life around. Now, let’s proceed with a few thoughts, and I welcome your input as well.

Listen

Tune out distractions and actively listen to the person. Most of this is common sense, but active listening is becoming a think of the past. Make eye contact, don’t be judgmental, stay calm, and restate what you are hearing. People don’t expect you to have the answers, but they do expect you to care. Remember, nobody cares what you know until they know that you care. So, do a lot of listening and not much talking. “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger” (James 1:19).

Point them to God

Yes, they don’t expect you to have the answers, but you would do your neighbor a tremendous disservice if you did not use this ministry opportunity to point them to the source of answers, comfort, peace, grace, and understanding. We can show them the love of God when we encourage them to caste all of their anxiety upon Him (1 Peter 5:7). A life lived in Christ and for Christ helps us to more clearly see Him and give our problems to Him. Jesus told us in John 14:6, “I am the way and the truth and the life…”

Love

God is love and He wants us to love one another. “And now I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another (John 13:34). Love in adversity is the ultimate comfort. This is what is meant by “being there.” When we show up with love in our hearts, we are bringing Jesus in our hearts. We all cherish and need faith and hope. The Word teaches us in 1 Corinthians 13:13 “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” Love is the greatest because God is the greatest.

Prayer: Dear God: We live in a world of so much hurt and brokenness. You know this. Please be with us at all times but particularly in times when we can be your witness in ministry to others in times of adversity. Give us your ears to hear and your tongue to speak truth and love. Amen.

Meet the Author

We welcome your comments below.

Thank you for visiting. We trust that you have enjoyed reading our articles.

Are You Patiently or Impatiently Waiting on God?

Liked this post?

Read more below or search for more topics...

I Can’t Get No Satisfaction

Liked this post?

Read more below or search for more topics...

Seek Unity Not Uniformity

Liked this post?

Read more below or search for more topics...

Generosity is Proven to be Good for the Giver

Liked this post?

Read more below or search for more topics...

Loneliness Can Lead to Ministry

Liked this post?

Read more below or search for more topics...

Never Grow Tired of Doing Good

Liked this post?

Read more below or search for more topics...

A Spiritual Health Check-Up - How is Your Discipleship?

Liked this post?

Read more below or search for more topics...

An Attitude of Gratitude

Liked this post?

Read more below or search for more topics...

Embrace Childlike Faith and Humility, Not Immaturity

Be Childlike, Not Immature: Embracing Childlike Faith and Humility

The Greatness of Childlike Faith and Humility

Choosing Humility Over Pride

Liked this post?

Read more below or search for more topics...

How Can I Help Others?

Liked this post?

Read more below or search for more topics...