A Prayer for Helping When You Are Able
By Laura Bailey
Bible Reading
“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due when it is in your power to act.” - Proverbs 3:27 NIV
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I checked the sign-up sheets each week, hoping that the blank lines would eventually fill up and I would be “off the hook.” Our church recently stepped in to help out with the soup kitchen on Sundays, serving hot meals to those in need in our area. Usually, I would be all for volunteering my and my family’s time to serve others. Caring for others in our community, showing the love of Jesus, sharing the Good News, and setting an example for my girls is not only something I feel called to but also desire to do.
But I was tired... Our last few months were busy, mostly with good and godly things. Our family held doors and greeted visitors on Sunday mornings. We passed out treat bags and invited new neighbors to the church on the weekends. We volunteered to set up, serve, and clean up for various church events. As a women’s leader, I poured hours into selecting, studying, and teaching Bible studies, planning fellowship events, and training new church leaders.
My intentions are not to boast or brag. We aren’t unique in our service; many others in our church family have served in multiple ministries inside and outside the church walls. I am simply sharing why, on this particular occasion, I chose to leave my name off the sign-up sheet. But as the slots remained empty, the head of the kitchen commitment announced at the end of service, sharing about the soup kitchen ministry and asking people to strongly consider signing up. I couldn’t help but feel that familiar prick in my heart. I began a tug-of-war with the Holy Spirit’s work.
- “I’ve served my time, it’s someone else’s turn.”
- “I need a break. I am tired. I’ll sign up next time around.”
- “ I don’t know how to cook for a big group of people. I’ll let those who are more gifted in this area serve.”
I am not suggesting the Lord requires or Scripture encourages us to sign up for every opportunity to minister to others. We are limited in our time and abilities, so we must lean into the Holy Spirit’s prompting in our individual lives. While our purpose is all the same: to know God and make Him known, our way is unique. However, I knew I was directly opposed to our key verse in Proverbs 3:37, “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due when it is in your power to act.”
I had no physical limitation prohibiting me from standing for two hours to serve meals. There were no other obligations or expectations of my time for the days in question. And at the heart of it all, there’s no Christian service magic quota. The “I’ve served my time” or “someone else’s turn” type of thinking has no place in the believer's life.
There will be times when we sincerely cannot serve, but if we are able, let us remember the words of Jesus himself, “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). When opportunities arise, and it is in our purview to help, let us be people who look at serving others as a privilege and not a penalty for following Christ.
Let’s Pray:
Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us your son, Jesus, as the ultimate example of service. He experienced weariness, the feeling of being physically and emotionally exhausted, yet He still cared for the needs of others. Let us embrace the opportunities presented to us to show the love of Christ and share the gospel message. When we are weak, grant us strength and help us discern where to invest our time and energy.
In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/kieferpix
Laura Bailey is an author and Bible teacher who encourages women to understand what they believe, why it matters, and how to apply biblical truths to their lives. Her recent book, Embracing Eternity in the Here and Now, explores how the timeless truths of Ecclesiastes help us live more peaceful, purposeful, and plentiful lives today.
She lives in Upstate South Carolina with her husband and three young girls, where she serves as director of women's ministries at her church. Her passion is teaching the Bible to women, equipping them to live with an eternal perspective. Invite Laura to speak at your next event or learn more: www.LauraRBailey.com
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