So many times, during our daily lives, we cross paths with people who are really hurting. We listen as they pour themselves out and tell us their troubles, but what do we do then? We try to comfort them, telling them that we will pray for them… but why? Are we really concerned for them? Do we earnestly want to intercede for them? Do we really want to love on them, or are we just trying to act spiritual?
Consider for a moment, when you are hurting and you need to share your load with someone, aren’t you usually lead to someone, a friend, a pastor or another person who shares your same troubles? Why? Quite simply put, you know you would not have your plumber fill your next cavity. Likewise, you would not use a hammer to put in a new headlight on your car… well, maybe you would… who knows, anyhow… the point being, every task in life has the correct tool. The Bible is loaded with tools, all you have to do is read it!! So, why do you pick a certain person in your time of need, because we feel they are the ‘correct tool’.
Each one of us at some point or another encounter burdens that overload us to the point that our lives have become unmanageable. All we know at that point is that we need some kind of help to get back on track. As you read this, your first and logical response is “you need Jesus”. But what if the person has not accepted Christ in their life- and yes there are people who sit in your church every Sunday morning with you who don’t really know if they believe or not. How are we to respond?
We need to understand that when we are approached by someone in their time of need, several things have already occurred, the first being that you have been put in this persons path for a reason!!! Recognize that God is in control of our lives for His purpose. The next thing is that this person is searching for an answer, seeking help, looking for whatever will solve the current problem, and they feel you may have what they need. Ironically, they are quite correct if you are a believer.
When they approach you, they have already begun to look for the answer, in you. Are you ready? As they approach, if they see they are not welcome, you have only added to their problem. If they feel you don’t have time for them, again you have added to their problem. But if you are really there for them, ready to listen, the door is beginning to open.
At this point, your job becomes very difficult, you need to become a good listener, avoiding distractions such as looking at your watch or staring off in some other direction, and especially allowing them to speak- it’s their problem your listening to, remember. As you listen, remember that you don’t have the answers, God has their answer. You are just His tool, allow Him to use you for His purpose.
After you have been a good listener, and they are looking to you for that answer to restore their sanity, remember that now is the make or break moment… the moment of comfort… the moment where they are hanging on your every word, those magical words of encouragement… and you say, “Man I’m so sorry, I’ll be praying for you buddy” … and BOOM, you just dropped the ball. The hope for their life is that you, you will be praying for them. Great, but I don’t think that’s what they needed nor do I think that’s what God had in mind when He spoke of the love we needed to show to each other.
Please don’t misunderstand me, I believe in the power of prayer and its vital role in our daily lives, and I am not making light of telling someone you’ll pray for them. What I do want you to consider is that when these times arise, God wants us to love on them, at that moment, praying with them at that moment, from our hearts so that we will show them without question that God is the answer in our lives and is the one that they should turn to!!! By that act of testimony alone their lives will be impacted more than any words you may say. Additionally, this will test your heart as well. Do you pray without ceasing? Are you bold in your faith, or are you embarrassed to pray to your God? Do you know how to really love your brother? Christ gave His life for us while we were still sinners, can’t you even just pray for your brother in need?
All through the Bible from the Old Testament to the New Testament people are found in prayer. Even Jesus prayed many, many times. We are called to pray- pray without ceasing. Please consider what I have shared and the next time you are called on in someones time of need, remember that God has put you in their path for His purpose – Let’s remember to pray to Him.
