Galatians 6:10 tells us, “Therefore as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers”.   Have you ever thought about the opportunities you have missed to step out and help someone who needs help?  Think about it, there are opportunities all around us, if we really look for them.  I don’t think its a matter that we don’t care, because certainly we do. That is proven by our actions to give money and supplies when we learn of someone’s needs after a fire or hurricane, etc.  This is all great and good, but what I’m really talking about are those times we pass by someone in the grocery store, or perhaps even at church, and don’t hear God’s still voice telling us to reach out to that person.  We are so caught up in our own schedule of “must-dos” that we just “push” that thought to the back of our mind; not realizing we have just missed an opportunity to show God’s love to someone.     

We all have good intentions of being there for others, but good intentions alone aren’t very helpful.  We learn from James 1:22 that if we are only hearers and not also doers of the Word, we deceive ourselves.  James 2:17 teaches us that, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.  As I said, good intentions without actions are not helpful to someone in need.

So what do we do?  How can we keep from missing these opportunities that God brings across our paths?  How can we be ready?  The answer to all three of these questions is the same.  We must be in close fellowship with God to hear His voice about a need of another, and to hear how He wants us to meet that need.  Remember, that just because a person has a great need, it doesn’t mean you will be required to meet ALL that need.  Most often God just requires us to meet a small portion of that need.  Each of us doing our own part.  So don’t panic like a deer in headlights. Don’t become frozen in time.  Don’t just pass by on the other side of the street, be the good Samaritan, reach out and do your part (Luke 10:30-36).

Father God I pray right now for each reader, and myself, that each of us will take the time to listen to your voice and be obedient to your calling to help and be a blessing to others today.