On April 25, 2003, 13-year-old Natalie Gilbert was singing the United States National Anthem for a National Basketball Association (NBA) playoff game. Shortly into the song, nerves got the best of young Gilbert and she completely blanked on the words. That’s when “Mo” Cheeks, the coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, intervened.
Even though Cheeks couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket, he quickly came alongside the struggling youngster and helped her finish the song. Before it was over, all of the players and fans joined in to pull her through. Later, the relieved singer commented, “He totally saved me . . . I tried to start over again, but the words wouldn’t come.”
As I watched “Mo” Cheeks and the others come to her aid, it reminded me of the kind of help Paul had in mind when he wrote, “Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).
As he wrapped up his first of two letters to the church of Thessalonica, Paul reiterated this same idea to his readers: “Take tender care of those who are weak” (1 Thessalonians 5:14).
Those who are weak and floundering are in need of help. And those who are in a position of strength have an opportunity to help. So when you see someone struggling under a heavy load, be open to intervene with whatever resources God has given you. Lend a hand. Offer a shoulder to cry on. Help a neighbor finish a project, or pay a bill for a friend who lost his job.
Helping out those in a weakened state is a powerful way to share Christ with others. Come alongside and sing along with them!
More:
I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
Next:
What struggling person in your life will you help today? When you assist the weak, how does that reflect the heart of Jesus?
purestrength on April 10, 2010 at 10:34 am
I just watched the movie Blindside and it is a true story of someone sharing God’s love and their ability to help someone. I do not have the means to help in the ways that Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy did, however I am able to help out a friend by buying them some groceries or giving them a few dollars for gas when I know that they don’t have the money. I also know where to direct them for help when it is beyond my means. Our church runs a food pantry and also has a fund to help pay bills when there is a need.
I am so thankful that God – my provider -has given me the ability to help when I can. Praise Him for His generous spirit of love and compassion.
Soldier4Christ on April 10, 2010 at 11:02 am
What a beautiful devotion, we need to love others as Jesus loves us. Love can do more to lead someone to Christ than all the talking and preaching in the world.
Paul G on April 10, 2010 at 6:23 pm
This is such a wonderfully simple devotion – yes let us show our love to one another – looking for those who are in difficuly and coming along side to help. May God bring such a person into our lives tomorrow and may we make a positive meaningful difference in their lives.
bethsjourney on April 12, 2010 at 8:57 am
This is so true, so true. God works through us and wants us to share His love.
I too recently watched The Blind Side and was so touched by the story and the generosity of the Tuohy family. I wished we were all more able to help like them…but some of us are not, but God sees even the smallest gestures of help and kindness we pour out to those who need it.
Pay it Forward, each and every one of us, in whatever way we can, with God’s love….we can make the world a more loving place.