Surprise Opportunities
The phone rings. It could be a friend, relative or neighbor who needs help! It might be the neighbor next door or down the block. It might be someone in another city or even another state. The chips are down! The clock is ticking, you only have minutes or maybe even seconds to make a decision.
Can I help? Will I help? Is my life enough in order so I can help? Or would I have to answer to an out-of-town person in need, “Well, I would really like to come and help but my laundry isn’t done. Maybe next time you’re in need I’ll be more prepared and organized.”
Do you always try your best to keep things organized and done for God so you can be ready and willing to help someone for God? An example would be keeping up on laundry so you can pack an overnight bag in just seconds.
Are your children obedient so they can help? Can you give them instructions or leave them lists of things to do and know that these things will be done (Eph. 6:1-3)? Do your children understand that what you do, you do for God, and helping out at home and being good kids is their way of doing God’s Will (John 6:38; 1 John 3:22)?
Do you have a good, trusting relationship with your spouse so you can make those split-second decisions when necessary? Will your spouse know and understand that the decision you made was a godly choice? Do you know in your heart, without doubt, that your spouse will accept your choice, so you will have a free heart and mind to help the person or persons in need? Can you handle an unexpected out-of-town visit leaving your spouse and children behind? How would you cope? Would you go around feeling sorry for yourself, making the people in need aware of your suffering? Or could you put aside your personal feelings to give your whole heart, soul and mind to the person in need, for God (Gal. 5:14; Matt. 22:37-39)?
Anytime you help someone, they need to be your only concern (1 Cor. 10:24). The best way to accomplish this is through much faith and constant prayer to God. Especially if you are summoned out of town to help someone in need, a constant communication through prayer to God can and will get you through any situation (2 Tim. 1:3; Eph. 6:18).
We need to always be ready, willing and able to lend a hand and do God’s Will. We must prepare ourselves for the surprises, as well as for our planned daily service to our Lord, by putting on the full armor of God (Eph. 6:11). How do we do this? By studying God’s word daily, praying and putting His words into practice daily (2 Tim. 2:15; John 8:51). We will then be fully prepared for anything or anyone God sends our way.