Something Out of Nothing – Luke 22:35-38
Praying over the City at Roots Roasting.
February 1, 2019 · Saint Paul ·
Today I had the opportunity to help move a homeless family. A local non-profit had hosted them, with others, in a local hotel during the recent deadly cold snap. Now that the temperatures are to be more seasonal, the church was looking for people to help them get set up at their camp with some new donated supplies.
I immediately wanted to help. I’ve been wanting to get to know, truly know, those that are living without shelter. I wanted to help. To do what I can and to see if there is more, I can do. I wanted to establish a relationship, possibly, to help on a regular basis, if that is what they might need, and to get to know others in the community. The problem is, I don’t know if I could really do it.
The thought of taking a family from a warm hotel shelter and then bringing them to a local wooded area to leave them there with a few supplies in the middle of winter sounds incomprehensible to me. Just considering it, on the outset, sounds good. It sounds helpful. In actually, I don’t think I can do it. Leaving people in the woods during winter sounds horrible.
It’s undecided if God will call upon me to do this. Another group was willing to do it. They may have enough people and cars in their party. I’ve left it in God’s hands. If I get the call, I will go, but even thinking about it, brings tears to my eyes. We must do something to limit the suffering of others.
When I consider all of this, I am reminded of a few verses in Luke (22:3-38) where Jesus says to the disciples, “When I sent you with nothing, did you lack anything?” Jesus had sent the disciples on many commissions to spread the gospel. At this, they answered, “Nothing.” They were sent with nothing yet lacked nothing. What a miracle that is. In each step their needs were provided for.
Jesus goes on to say, “But now, things will change…” This is paraphrased, of course, but this is the section where Jesus tells them of the unrest to come. That He will be crucified and that things will not be safe. That they should pack their things and prepare. They will not be welcomed as they had before.
He was going away and with that departure would come unrest. That unrest exists today, yet He promises to be with us. Through the dark times. Through the tough times, He is still there, and…and…and He knows what it is like to suffer needlessly. He understands the depths of our suffering and He calls on us to help be part of the comfort, care, and compassion He wants us to share with others.
So, even if it’s tough. Even if it’s hard. Even if it’s incomprehensible to bring a family to the woods, if I get the call, I’ll go. I’ve made that promise to Him. To do and sacrifice anything He might ask of me. If I can help heal someone else’s earthly suffering, that is what I must do, and maybe together, we’ll make this world just a little better.
Dearest Heavenly Father (Mother), you were so right. In this world, we will have troubles, but you have overcome the world. (John 16:33) Please help us to keep our focus on you and the Kingdom so that we may share its riches of love, generosity, compassion, and understanding. When we have you, we have everything. We trust you will make things right. In Your Mighty Name…
Please join me in praying for the homeless and should you find an opportunity to help, I pray you are afforded the courage and strength to move forward in the ways He calls. If you have any prayer requests for me, please bring them forward. You are loved.