… let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
James 1:5
I lost sleep last night. Again. I laid awake thinking about a friend who is in crisis on so many levels! The situation seems impossible! Before I was even out of bed, the Lord brought to mind some Scriptures I need to remember if He wants to use me to help her. God knows, and I know, that I don’t have the wisdom it takes to “fix” her. But the above Scripture from James 1:5 is one of the verses He reminded me of this morning. He is the source of all wisdom and He tells me to ask and promises to provide!
Another Scripture that came to mind is from Luke 5:18-19. It tells of men who brought their friend on a stretcher to be healed by Jesus. Because so many people were crowded around Jesus, the men took their friend on the stretcher up on the roof and lowered him down in front of Jesus in the middle of the crowd. I love this picture, and it reminds me that there may be many obstacles, but I need to “bring my friend to Jesus.” He is the healer. Not me. So, the lesson for me as I experience how inadequate I am to know what to do for my friend: First, bring her to Jesus. I can do that through prayer, and through reminding her of God’s love, His presence with her at all times, and the promises in His Word. He can do what is impossible without Him.
And I’m reminded of Mark 6:30-44. Jesus brought His disciples to a secluded place to rest. They were soon surrounded by multitudes of people who had followed them, and Jesus began to teach them. When it was late, the disciples came to Jesus telling Him to send the people away so they could buy themselves something to eat. Jesus answered them, “You give them something to eat.” I’m sure you know the story – The only food they could come up with was five loaves and two fish. Not even enough for a few people, let alone thousands! So, Jesus took what little they had, blessed it, broke the loaves, and kept giving them to the disciples. (Notice especially “kept giving it to the disciples.” They had to keep coming back to Him to supply the need that was impossible for them to meet.
The lesson here is to “keep coming back” to Jesus for wisdom and clear direction for the next step in helping my friend. He is the healer; I’m not! Jesus’ invitation is to “Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light (Matthew 11:28-30 NIV).
I’m encouraged by Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” He doesn’t expect me to have the answers on my own. He knows all the details of the problem, and He knows what needs to be done to bring healing. I’m encouraged to walk through this journey with my friend trusting the Lord for each next step.
PERSONAL REFLECTION
Has God brought someone into your life who needs His healing? Do you feel inadequate to help?
Which of these verses encourage you as you walk through this journey with someone?
Write a prayer expressing your heart to God.
Perfect thoughts to dwell on for the pressures of t0day. Thanks for focusing us on God’s Love Letter!
See you on 8/31. 😊
Thank to for such a good reminder! ❤
Such a valuable lesson, and such a relief! What a privilege for Jesus to use us to help someone, but truly the glory always goes to Him. I’m so thankful that He is enough for me and for those who concern me. I can release them to Him, knowing He is able. Otherwise, the enemy weighs us down and brings doubt and discouragement. Before we know it, we too are caught in his trap and need someone to pull us out. Tonight, I’m thanking God once again for releasing me from fixing anyone.