When I got to 18 across on my daily crossword puzzle it told me to see 43 down. But when I read the clue for 43 down it told me to go to 18 across. Thanks for all the help. I was reminded of James 2, “Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?” Thanks for all the help.
I’m sure you have noticed the latest cliché repeated over and over, especially by our political leaders, is “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.” Really? What good is that? Sorry to be so cynical but real help isn’t what we say. It is what we do. During my first twenty-four months as a pastor I had twenty-six funerals. I was young and didn’t have a clue as to what to say. Finally it dawned on me. I didn’t have to say anything. I just had to be there; even if it was two in the morning, perhaps, especially if it was two in the morning in the emergency room of the community hospital.
When it came to our fallen earth, God didn’t just say, “My thoughts are with you.” He is a God that does. Not only does He provide eternity for us He sends care packages to us on a daily basis. We just don’t notice. This world isn’t in automatic. It is sustained. We are sustained. And when we say, “Thanks for the help” we are not being cynical but pouring out the gratitude of our hearts because we have a God who does.
Written by Roger Bothwell on July 2, 2013
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