Stepping into Service

There’s been something weighing on my mind for the past few days, something I can’t seem to shake off.

Have you ever found yourself reaching out to someone for help, only to be met with a barrage of questions instead? “Have you prayed about it?” “Have you sought guidance from the Scriptures?” These questions, while well-intentioned, can sometimes leave us feeling misunderstood or overlooked. It’s true, the Bible does encourage us to come to God with our needs, not just a laundry list of complaints we want him to change. As my pastor wisely pointed out in a recent sermon, sometimes God allows us to go through trials not for our own sake, but for the benefit of others. When we’re facing challenges, it’s easy to become consumed with our own struggles, but perhaps there’s a larger purpose at play – a purpose that involves helping someone else who may feel as though they have nowhere else to turn. It’s a reminder that our lives should not be lived solely for ourselves, but for others.

At the heart of it all lies prayer – the cornerstone of our faith. It’s through prayer that we express gratitude to God for placing certain individuals in our lives, guiding them to support us through our trials with the wisdom He has imparted upon them. Despite its importance, prayer often takes a backseat in our busy lives. Yet, when we find ourselves drowning in the depths of despair, it’s natural to seek out a lifeline, someone who can offer us a glimmer of hope. And sometimes, that lifeline comes in the form of another person – a friend, a family member, or even a stranger – who extends a helping hand in our time of need.

“The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.” – Psalm 145:18

I’ve found myself in various situations where I’ve needed tangible assistance. There are times when we require practical support. Take, for example, the scenario of needing a tire changed. Instead of simply telling me to pray for divine intervention, Brother Bond might step in to lend a hand, utilizing the skills and resources he’s been blessed with. This isn’t to say that God is incapable of performing miracles – indeed, He works in mysterious ways – but oftentimes, He chooses to work through the hands and hearts of others.

“Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.” – Proverbs 3:27

Brother Copeland retold a parable titled “The Drowning Man” to illustrate this concept. In the story, a man finds himself stranded on a rooftop during a flood. Despite multiple opportunities for rescue – a rowboat, a motorboat, and even a helicopter – he insists on waiting for God to save him. In the end, he perishes, only to question God about why he wasn’t rescued. God’s response is simple yet profound: He sent help in various forms, but the man failed to recognize it.

As believers, we are called to a higher standard of living. We shouldn’t view others as mere resources to be exploited for our own gain, whether they belong to the church community or not. Taking advantage of others not only tarnishes our witness but also goes against the principles of love and compassion that Jesus taught. There’s a clear distinction between seeking assistance when needed and lazily relying on others without making an effort to contribute.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of asking, “Have you prayed about it?” without taking action ourselves. However, as my pastor emphasizes time and again, we have a responsibility to steward the gifts and talents that God has given us. In Romans 12:6-8, the apostle Paul reminds us that each of us has been endowed with unique abilities for the purpose of serving others. Whether it’s through our jobs, our ministries, or simply lending a helping hand, we have the opportunity to make a positive impact on those around us. By squandering our talents, we risk losing them altogether, while someone else who is willing to use them for good stands ready to take our place.

Prayer is essential, but it should never be an excuse for deflection and inaction. When we encounter someone in need, we should be mindful of how we can be the answer to their prayers. The divine intervention may be our capacity to make a difference for others. As we strive to live out our faith in practical ways, may we become vessels of God’s love and provision, extending grace and mercy to those around us. And in doing so, may we fulfill our calling to live not for ourselves, but for the betterment of others, just as Christ lived and died for us.