At one time or another we’ve each been called upon to share the burden of someone else’s battle with the realities of life. We’ve each had moments when we’ve been asked to lay our own cares aside and put another’s first; witnessing up-close, true and personal human suffering.

 

Try to recall such moments…how did you handle them? What was your heart’s initial response? Did you jump head first into the sea of despair with them, grasping at your own share of the proverbial life-line, in essence becoming part of the problem instead of the solution? Did you take on the ostrich mentality and bury your head, hoping you wouldn’t get sucked in? Or… did you open your eyes, your arms and your spirit, seeking and accepting whatever role the Father desired for you in the situation; following His will and not your own?

 

Sometimes we struggle with that concept. What is His will for us in times like these? In Galatians 6:2 we are instructed to bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ. His command, put in the simplest of terms, is to love each other. Amidst a myriad of other things, loving each other means being compassionate, being a caregiver, and being a comforter. It means being that voice on the other end of the line at 2am. It means being that hand to hold, and being that voice of prayerful reason. 2nd Corinthians 1:4-5 shows us that the whole purpose of our own comfort is so that we may be of comfort to someone else. We are called to take an active role in tending to the cares and needs of others, and we should never take that calling lightly.

 

Far too often, we withhold our God-given abilities to minister – yes we are ALL called to minister – and we miss out on the blessings that result from coming alongside those who are facing trials. Is it fear or complacency that rationalizes its way out of answering that call? READ THE WORD! We’re promised that we are never alone; we’re promised that we can do all things, we’re promised that if God is for us, then no one can stand against us…just read!!! Unless you deny the promises and power of the Creator of the Universe, there are no more excuses to be made!

 

It’s time to rejoice in all things – yes, even in our own sufferings – and use those experiences to reach out to others! It’s time to manipulate the evil one’s intended stumbling blocks and turn them into stepping stones for our Savior! It is time to stand and deliver in the name of the one who delivered us and answer the call! It’s time to open our eyes and ears to the opportunities to love as Christ loved! It’s time to be what we are all called to be… it’s time!!!!

 

~ Joni