Monday, January 22,2018

When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst, I the Lord will answer them.        
                                                                                               Isaiah 41:17
 
        The truth that God needs us – you and me – to do his work in the world is especially true when it comes to helping those in need.  Yes, God sent manna from Heaven for the Israelite's.  He told Moses to tap a rock to produce flowing water.  And God is still working miracles in the world today. 
        But most of the time, he needs us to hear his call and provide the help that others need.  Sometimes, it’s so simple.  A few weeks ago, I was speaking to Jack, a God-centered member of our congregation.  He told me that he keeps a box of nutrition bars in his car.  When he sees someone at the side of the road, holding a sign asking for food, he hands a few protein bars to that person.  In 2016, when we had many steamy summer days with triple-digit temperatures, I got in the habit of leaving an ice-cold bottle of water in the mailbox for my delivery person.  That was much appreciated. 
​         Donated clothing or housewares, food brought to the church pantry, money donated to service organizations; anything and everything helps.  Of course, the God who sent manna from Heaven can do this on his own, so why does he prefer working with us?  Perhaps because he knows that we are blessed when we help others.