Not Finished with Me Yet!

Have you ever heard the little song kids sing that goes: “He’s still working on me to make me what I oughta be….”? Although it is but a child’s jingle, the meaning in the song is immense. Coming into the family of GOD, we have a great many rough edges that need special care. We have past hurts and failures that need to be dealt with. There are always the bumps, bruises, and of course the strong will that simply says “I’m gonna do it my way no matter what!”

We look around the church and we see smiles on many faces but a great many of those are covering up deep pains on the inside that need to be cared for. But, it is hard to do! It is hard to get into other people’s problems and issues and help them to work through them. You know, I have enough problems of my own without having to deal with someone else’s.

We are instructed to help one another. Paul instructs us to: “encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 HCSB). In verse 14, he continues by telling us to: “warn those who are irresponsible, comfort the discouraged, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” The writer to the Hebrews tells us we should: “be concerned about one another in order to promote love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24).

As I look back over times in my life when I was going through something tough or difficulties were prevailing in my life, I can see where GOD stepped in through a willing individual who offered up a word of encouragement or gave me a helping hand. I can see when difficult times confronted me that GOD would have someone standing close by with just the right word to pick me up.

It is important that we recognize not a one of us has topped out. We all face problems and difficulties at one time or another. Some will show they are going through things; others will just hide it inside. But, the fact remains; there are problems that are burning within the hearts of so many sitting in the pew today. So many that need a hand extended to them, a word of encouragement, or a kind act of love displayed.

Maybe things are going great for you today! Life has been treating you well. GOD can use you to reach into and to touch another individual’s life. GOD can use you in a special way today, if you simply make yourself available and be sensitive to those around you. Rather than condemning, try building up. Rather than judging, consider loving.

Maybe things have been rough for you lately? Maybe you are going through a really difficult time? GOD loves you and wants to bring you safely through your problem. He is right there for you desiring that you trust Him completely.

Work together, Church, at encouraging and building one another up as we go through this thing called life. Find someone you can speak words of life into today. Discover that GOD can use you to help someone get rid of the rough edges and the problem areas, to heal up the brokenness and hurts. Be sensitive and be blessed as you do so always recognizing that He isn’t finished with any of us yet!

Scripture Reading: “Protect me, God, for I take refuge in You. I said to the Lord, ‘You are my Lord; I have no good besides You.’ As for the holy people who are in the land, they are the noble ones in whom is all my delight. The sorrows of those who take another god for themselves multiply; I will not pour out their drink offerings of blood, and I will not speak their names with my lips. Lord, You are my portion and my cup of blessing; You hold my future. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. I will praise the Lord who counsels me- even at night my conscience instructs me. I keep the Lord in mind always. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my spirit rejoices; my body also rests securely. For You will not abandon me to Sheol; You will not allow Your Faithful One to see the Pit. You reveal the path of life to me; in Your presence is abundant joy; in Your right hand are eternal pleasures” (Psalm 16 HCSB).

Personal Prayer: Father in heaven, I pray for Your help in my life today. Please help me to work through the problems I am facing. Help me to deal with the overwhelming issues. Relieve the stress that is so heavy upon me. Help me, O GOD, to be free to serve and worship You without the weight of my past and the burdens of my failures. Lord, I also ask You to help me to reach out and touch others today. Help me to be sensitive to the needs others have, the hurts they are going through, so that I may offer the right word or the simply show Your love and mercy to them. Lord, I love You and thank You for giving me peace in my life in the midst of life’s storms…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!