One of the great privileges the Lord has granted us to allow us to enter in to the personal struggles of so many who must contend with the ravages of natural disasters. The trouble they face is so much more than the loss of property – it is the loss of hope – the burden of their circumstance – their vulnerability to all kinds of evil. I hear so many stories about how unscrupulous people would come like wolves in sheep’s clothing and take what little money they had for little to nothing in return – only making their circumstance all the worse. It is so easy to focus on the external – the house or the contents of the house and overlook who occupies the house. I met two new families yesterday and was reminded of why we do what we do. It really has nothing to do with construction. Repairing homes is merely the gate by which we enter into people’s lives for ministry. (The great majority of people the Lord has led us to are widows, single moms, and couples where the husband has some disability.)
I recall speaking to one homeowner about the work we were doing in her home. She was praising us for the transformation in her home. I told her, “It is not the home that is important to us, it is you that is important.” Tears welled up in her eyes and she said, “Of all the people who have come here, not one has told me that before.” Actually I understand that – it is easy to let the damage that is so overwhelming at times dominate those who have come to help. Two days ago I was in another home – an elderly partially disabled woman – whose home was partially repaired and then left wanting. After we finished the assessment and were leaving, I asked the other evaluator – “What do you think that she thinks is the most important thing that needs to be done?” Then I said, “I will answer my own question. She wants a door on her bedroom.” As she talked to us about the problems in her house – problems that she sees every day – she shared her angst over not being able to close her bedroom door. A simple thing. Easy to fix. But impossible for her. Being able to close the door – to have privacy – even if it was only from her dogs. My partner had missed it – but as we talked his face brightened when, suddenly, he saw it.
We can see but not see. We must have spiritual vision as we walk in the Way – a visual sensitivity given to us by the Lord – necessary in order to see what He sees. It is spiritual vision, brought on by compassion for others, enabled by our love of God. I shared this verse several times in the past – but it merits being shared again.
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
What is the law of Christ? Love God and love others. (Matthew 22:37-39) Carrying one another’s burdens will cost you something. Not just time – or money – or effort, but it will cost you by placing a heaviness on your soul. You will feel the weight of the burden as you pick it up. Have you ever seen someone struggling as they carried something? Maybe something as simple as groceries and you said, “Here let me help you.” As you took on part of their load you felt the weight of the load. Your willingness to help made their burden lighter for them. That is true in the spiritual context as well. To carry those burdens is a noble calling – an honor really. To see the need you must be ready – spiritually – and willing to let God do a work through you. And then, finally, you must do it – in the name of Jesus.
BTW, my partner is going to install that door!
By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone
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